The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) has hosted a search conference on local government revenue and capacity in Melbourne last week. The conference was the start of a consultation and research process that will culminate in the release of a working paper in November.

 

The conference covered key themes faced by local government, including long term fiscal outlook, responses to tax reform proposals such as the Henry Review, alternative streams of own- source revenue for local governments and the potential for revenue sharing across the sector.

 

The conference saw a range of measures agreed upon to address the issue of ongoing strength of local government revenue.

 

The conference aimed to explore the findings of local government reviews, contextual research, and analyses of local governments’ financial performance and capacity. It also considered responses that may be warranted by all three spheres of government.

 

The event was facilitated by ACELG Director Graham Sansom and leading local government expert, John Comrie. Organisations represented included local government associations, local government finance professionals, plus councils, universities, consulting firms and individuals.

 

The final paper, to be delivered at the end of November, will draw on available information and research to provide evidence and ideas that can inform forums and discussions taking place within policy making circles in local government.