Australia’s state ministers for Local Government have met in Canberra at the inaugural Local Government Ministers’ Forum.

 

The forum discussed the following:

  • the need for continued productivity and efficiency gains by local governments and building discipline and continuous improvement into funding agreements with local government;
  • consultation with members on the terms of reference for the Financial Assistance Grants review;
  • how to minimise cost shifting between the spheres of government;
  • opportunities under the climate change programs for the sector; and
  • proposed Commonwealth Constitutional recognition of local government.

 

"There were productive discussions on a number of issues and a consensus in the room on the importance of local government in delivering local services," Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell.