Landmark Agreement signed, sealed, delivered


The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed a revised and strengthened Victorian State-Local Government Agreement (VSLGA) to create a whole-of-State-Government commitment to consult, communicate, and negotiate with local government.

At the Ministerial and Mayors Dinner on 10 September the MAV President, Cr Bill McArthur, signed the new VSLGA on behalf of local government, alongside the Premier, Dr Denis Napthine, and Minister for Local Government, Tim Bull.

The Agreement seeks to ensure that prior to the State making decisions to allocate councils with new, revised or expanded roles and responsibilities, thorough consultation will occur. A new Cabinet process will also be introduced to assess impacts on local government.

State and local government currently share many responsibilities including maternal and child health, emergency management, public libraries, land use planning, roadside weeds and pests, smoking bans and food safety. 

Before the last state election, the Coalition made a commitment to review the 2008 VSLGA to ensure it fulfils its purpose, has practical significance, and provides an overall framework for managing the ongoing relationship between the State and local government.

“A strengthened VSLGA has long been a priority for the MAV. Following significant consultation and negotiation between the MAV, councils and the government, this revised Agreement is a great result for the sector and I congratulate the State for delivering on its commitment. 

“This Agreement is about mutual respect, accountability, transparency and cooperation. It seeks to reinforce State-local government relations by building a collaborative working relationship and improving communication and consultation.

“With the Premier a signatory alongside the Minister, the government has demonstrated a stronger commitment to genuinely progress the VSLGA.

“The Agreement also establishes quarterly meetings between the MAV and the Minister to discuss successes and failures of parties to work in accordance with the VSLGA, as well as six-monthly written feedback reports.

“Other key changes include the requirement for the State to consult with local government on any material change to funding agreements that impact on councils.

“It makes clear the critical need for the State to consider councils’ capacity and resources when contemplating any new or revised responsibilities for the sector.

“The MAV is urging bipartisan support of the VSLGA following the state election. The Victorian Government’s goodwill should be supported by all political parties as a progressive way forward.”

A copy of the VSLGA is available at www.mav.asn.au.