About the ACLG
The Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) showcases the important partnership the Australian Government has with local governments across Australia.
Local governments are a trusted partner and fundamental to the development and delivery of policies and programs for all Australians. The ACLG provides them an important opportunity to engage with Ministers on opportunities and challenges in their areas.
The ACLG was first established as a formal meeting between senior leaders of local government and the Australian Government in 2008.
The re-establishment of the ACLG builds on the Australian Government’s commitment to work with local governments to build liveable and socially equitable communities in Australia’s cities and regions.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts works with ALGA to deliver this important event.
2024 ACLG
The Australian Government held the sixth ACLG in Canberra on 5 July 2024. It coincided with the National General Assembly (NGA) of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) from 2 to 4 July 2024.
The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories was joined by Cr Linda Scott from ALGA, as well as the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, and a range of Australian Government Ministers and senior government officials.
The 2024 ACLG was a resounding success with more than 800 delegates attending, including 770 Local Government representatives from across 312 councils.
Attendees had an opportunity to engage directly with the Australian Government on a range of important issues through four separate panel discussions.
The panel discussion on Service Delivery, Housing, Communications, Skills and Capacity explored the Government’s commitment to supporting vital infrastructure, while recognising that local councils are the experts on their communities.
The Disaster Recovery and Resilience panel facilitated an open and honest discussion on the challenges associated with responding to natural disasters and the needs of local governments, particularly in allowing communities to build back better.
The road to a net zero carbon future comes with challenges for our local communities, and these were discussed in the Climate Change and Renewable Energy panel. The Government is committed to making sure that communities benefit from this transition, and opportunities are shared across the nation.
A range of factors are contributing to changes in our local communities. The Peri Urban Councils and Regional Cities panel looked at one of those emerging trends, and how governments need to meet the expectations of their constituents.
2023 ACLG
The 2023 ACLG was held in Canberra on 16 June 2023. It brought together federal and local government leaders to discuss the major policy challenges of our nation.
The ACLG gave attendees the opportunity to hear from speakers including:
- The Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP
- The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
- The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
- The Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians
- and many more.
Photographs of local government representatives at the ACLG Forum and Gala Dinner are available here: https://communicationsgovau.box.com/s/bv9k5fyrrpkzdk97jhzg9dg60wrdutvb