The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport is commencing public hearings for its inquiry into local government sustainability.

Media release issue date: Monday, 13 May 2024

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport is commencing public hearings for its inquiry into local government sustainability. Exploring government policy and program funding to support local government sustainability will be the focus of the opening hearing on 16 May 2024 with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Chair of the Committee, Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP, said ‘local governments are facing a number of increasing challenges including the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, changing service delivery requirements including infrastructure and development, and climate change impacts all within the context of an inflationary environment. The hearing provides an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of policy and program funding frameworks across the three tiers of government in supporting local government financial sustainability.’ Public hearing details Canberra, Australian Parliament House Date:      Thursday, 16 May 2024 Venue:   Committee Room 1R3 Time:     11:10am – 12:00pm (AEST) The Committee will hold further public hearings and interested parties are encouraged to make a written submission to this inquiry by 31 May 2024. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website. Anyone is welcome to attend the hearing, and a live audio stream will also be available on the APH website. Media inquiries Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP Luke.Gosling.MP@aph.gov.au 08 8928 0180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2232 rdit.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and find details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has extended the submission deadline by four weeks to 31 May 2024 for its inquiry into local government sustainability.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has extended the submission deadline by four weeks to 31 May 2024 for its inquiry into local government sustainability. Chair of the Committee, Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP, said ‘the Committee recognises the importance of this inquiry to inform a deeper understanding of local government financial sustainability and service delivery obligations. The scope of the inquiry’s terms of reference covers a range of complexities across financial frameworks, skills development, labour hire practices, infrastructure, and asset management.’ Mr Gosling further noted that ‘due to the high level of interest received to date, the Committee has agreed to extend the inquiry submission deadline by four weeks to Friday, 31 May 2024. The Committee appreciates that many government and other organisations are keen to contribute to this important inquiry and is seeking to understand the challenges faced by local governments in servicing infrastructure requirements for their communities.’ The Committee welcomes submissions from interested organisations and individuals by 31 May 2024. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP Luke.Gosling.MP@aph.gov.au 08 8928 0180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2232 rdit.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and find details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will examine local government sustainability in a new inquiry.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 21 March 2024

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will examine local government sustainability in a new inquiry launched today. Chair of the Committee, Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP, said ‘the Committee has prioritised 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.’ Mr Gosling further emphasised that ‘the Committee is aware 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.’ 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. Media inquiries Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP Luke.Gosling.MP@aph.gov.au 08 8928 0180 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2232 rdit.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and find details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.