Hannah Hammoud
There were some big wins for Brimbank council at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly event in Canberra.
The National General Assembly event ran from June 13-16 with the theme of, “Our Communities, Our Future.” Looking at ideas for new federal programs and policies that would support councils to build stronger communities in the future.
The event provided a crucial opportunity for Brimbank council to influence ALGA’s federal government advocacy on local priorities.
Four motions were tabled by council at the conference, and all four were approved.
The motions were focussed on:
– Financial Assistance Grants for councils.
– A policy framework for a compensation scheme for airport impacted communities.
– Support of constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through a Voice to Parliament.
– A ban on gambling advertising, particularly when live sports events are being broadcast.
Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said the event provided council with a platform to highlight the national importance of Brimbank’s priorities.
“We were thrilled to receive the full support of the Assembly for the four motions raised by council including Financial Assistance Grants, airport impacted communities, a Voice to Parliament, and restrictions on gambling advertising,” he said.
“I’m extremely proud to have moved a motion to acknowledge the Australian Government’s support of constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament.
“Through the Uluru Statement of the Heart, Aboriginal leaders proposed a way forward in allowing their perspective to be heard when designing laws and programs affecting them.
“Later this year, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.”
With more than 1000 attendees including local government leaders, delegates and elected representatives, this year’s event was the largest in ALGA’s history.
