Fair Funding for local councils

Local councils deserve the funding and respect needed to effectively serve our communities without political interference. Councils play a vital role in providing essential services like road maintenance, waste management, and community infrastructure, but they’ve been left behind by successive governments. For over 30 years, federal funding for local councils has been steadily eroded, forcing councils to rely on complex grant systems or unpopular rate hikes. This system benefits party politicians, not communities. Grants are often used to fund one-off projects in marginal seats rather than meeting councils’ long-term priorities. Smaller regional councils, with fewer resources to compete for grants, are left at an even greater disadvantage. I will fight for an increase in Federal Assistance Grants from 0.5% to 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue to give councils the financial stability they need to plan and invest in our future. This would reduce reliance on Special Rate Levies, ease cost-of-living pressures on ratepayers, and empower councils to deliver the infrastructure and services our communities need. In parliament, I’ll work tirelessly to restore trust in government by championing practical, fair solutions for local councils — because strong, empowered councils mean stronger communities. Find my media release on increasing Commonwealth funding for councils here.