Inquiry launched into local govt sustainability

An inquiry into local government sustainability has been launched by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport.

The Chair of the Committee, Luke Gosling OAM, MP, said the committee was prioritising a deeper understanding of local government financial sustainability and funding frameworks, alongside the changing infrastructure requirements and service delivery obligations for local governments.

“Local government sustainability is essential to supporting our Australian communities through the provision of vital infrastructure and related services. The committee is seeking to understand the challenges faced by local governments in servicing infrastructure requirements across Australia’s regional, rural and remote locations,” Gosling said.

Gosling highlighted the committee’s awareness of significant public infrastructure workforce shortages, particularly in local government areas, and the importance of promoting skills development and job security for Australians.

“The committee will examine labour hire and retention trends, including the impacts of labour hire practices, to identify barriers and opportunities to support our local workforce and local government sustainability and service delivery obligations,” he said.

The committee welcomes submissions from interested organisations and individuals by 3 May 2024. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the committee’s website.

Image credit: iStock.com/Adam Calaitzis