Mayor vows to continue advocacy for local governments in new ALGA role
Mayor Matt Burnett says restoring Financial Assistance Grants for local councils to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue remains his highest priority.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett says restoring Financial Assistance Grants for local councils to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue remains his highest priority, following his appointment as a Vice President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).
Councillor Burnett was elected as one of two Vice Presidents of ALGA alongside Mayor Tracy Roberts from the City of Wanneroo in Western Australia, at the ALGA general meeting held on 13 November.
The same meeting saw Sydney City Councillor Linda Scott elected as ALGA President, replacing City of Prospect Mayor David O’Loughlin, whose two-term stint came to an end.
Cr Burnett said he was truly honoured to be elected as ALGA Vice President alongside Cr Tracey Roberts.
“Together with new ALGA President, Councillor Linda Scott from New South Wales and a strong board of Directors, we will do our absolute best to support and advocate for the 537 Councils across the nation,” Cr Burnett said.
“The highest priority is to secure the return of Financial Assistance Grants to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
“The Just 1 per cent campaign is not a big ask and will directly support local communities, create jobs, boost local economies and reduce costs to ratepayers.
“Currently local councils only receive about 0.55 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue and I’ll continue to advocate for this to increase so we can restore a fairer share of taxation revenue to our local communities.”
Cr Burnett’s election as ALGA Vice President will strengthen Queensland’s representation on the national stage during what is a critical term for local government, as communities recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the next Federal Election due in 2022, Mayor Burnett said his focus would be on fighting for a fairer share for local government by amplifying the Just 1 per cent campaign for the Financial Assistance Grants.
“Financial Assistance Grants must be increased to improve the financial sustainability of councils so we can continue to deliver the services communities need, while also sustaining workforces and creating jobs,” Cr Burnett said.
“We must have funding certainty.”
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