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Local councils neglected by Albanese government says Darren Chester at Australian Local Government Association

Local Councils, underfunded and overlooked by the Albanese government, face worsening conditions despite promises of fair funding increases. Shadow Minister Darren Chester urges stronger advocacy for regional Councils at the ALGA forum.

By news@gippsland - 3rd July 2024 - Back to News

Local Councils are worse off and haven't received the 'fair increase' in funding promised by the Albanese Government, according to Shadow Minister for Local Government Darren Chester. Speaking at this week's Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) regional forum, Mr Chester urged Council leaders to harden their message to Canberra. "Local government in regional Australia is worse off under the Albanese government, and collectively, regional Councils are doing nothing different as they advocate for a more sustainable funding model," Mr Chester said.

Shadow Minister for Local Government and Territories the Hon Darren Chester MP speaking at this year's Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) regional forum

Councils need assertiveness

Mr Chester said, "Here we are, at another ALGA conference in the nation's capital, in furious agreement that local government is under-funded and disrespected by Canberra despite being the level of government closest to the people and best placed to deliver small to medium-size projects in a timely and cost-effective manner."

Mr Chester said regional Councils were in danger of being 'too polite' and needed to strengthen their demands on behalf of ratepayers. "The time has come to be a lot harder and firmer on behalf of our rural and regional Australians in the demands regional Councils place on other levels of government for funding support," Mr Chester said.

Local funding cut

Local government received about $4 billion from the total Commonwealth tax revenue of $593 billion in the last Federal Coalition Budget of 2021-22, accounting for 0.67 per cent. Under Labor, local government was apportioned $3.8 billion from an increased total Commonwealth tax revenue of $755 billion in the 2024-25 budget, representing about 0.50 per cent.

"Despite being promised fair increases in the lead up to the 2022 Federal election, it hasn't happened and is another broken promise by the Albanese government. Building Better Regions Fund, Community Development Grants, Stronger Communities Program, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure and Roads of Strategic Importance, critical grant programs heavily relied on by local government, have also been abolished under the Albanese government," Mr Chester said.

Ratepayers unfairly burdened

Mr Chester said ratepayers in regional Australia were picking up the tab amid a cost of living crisis, and a more robust approach was needed to achieve fairer funding outcomes. "Local government in regional Australia is going backwards, residents are worse off, and it's all happening at a time when it's the items mined, grown and produced outside of our capital cities that are giving the Treasurer a surplus," Mr Chester said.

"Labor's so-called signature Growing Regions program has taken two years to announce a single project, with nine out of 10 projects rejected. This time, we can't even pretend they ran out of money because there's $94 million unallocated in round one and a further $300 million in round two."

"Labor is drip-feeding the funding, and regional Councils sit meekly, afraid to bite the hand that feeds them. But when the hand is starving you to death, it's time to bite back and fight back. It's time to end the madness and put local government in its rightful position as a critical partner in delivering the service and facilities Australians want and need," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!
• Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
  Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
  Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan.
• Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
  Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states.
• Martin Cameron demands Labor guarantee Traralgon PSOs won’t be removed amid redeployment to retail precincts
  Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
  Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026.
• Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
  Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages.
• Tim Bull urges reflection and respect on Remembrance Day honouring all Australian servicemen
  Tim Bull urges all Australians to honour veterans and current servicemen, reflecting on their sacrifice, courage, and service, while supporting commemorative events and ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten.
• Gippslanders sound alarm over digital ID rollout, quiet steps toward a nationwide control system
  Australians voice growing concern over the creeping rollout of Digital ID, warning it's becoming mandatory despite government claims of voluntariness, sparking fears of surveillance, control, and loss of personal freedom.
• Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
  A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together.