Caz Heise, the community-backed Independent candidate for Cowper, has today announced her commitment to increased federal funding for local councils. 

“I am pleased to today announce my support for an increase in Federal Assistance Grants (FAG) from 0.5% to 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue. 

“For over 30 years both sides of politics have whittled away at local government funding to the point that across Australia councils are struggling to meet basic community infrastructure and service needs,” Caz said today. 

“Governments on both sides have shifted to a grants based funding model because it allows them to pork barrel marginal seats and be photographed cutting ribbons in front of pet projects of their choosing. 

“This almost always bypasses councils' long-term infrastructure priorities, which are based on robust assessments of community needs. Instead, we see one-off election announcements that fail to meet community needs and impose long term spending commitments on already stretched local councils.

“The pork barrelling must stop.” 

Caz Heise also highlighted that an increase to FAG funding would reduce council’s reliance on deeply unpopular Special Rate Levies (SRVs), and therefore ease the financial pressure on ratepayers. 

“People across the community are telling me that they are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. Restoring FAG funding would provide councils across Australia with greater financial stability and reduce the need for SRVs. 

“The only people who won’t benefit from this policy are party politicians wanting to get photographed cutting ribbons.”

Statements attributable to Caz Heise, community-backed Independent candidate for Cowper.

“Local councils provide essential services and infrastructure for our community. They have been neglected by federal governments on both sides of the political spectrum for too long.

“The current system forces local councils to navigate a complicated maze of grant applications simply to access the funding they need to sustain and develop our regions. 

“This bureaucratic hurdle not only delays vital projects but also adds unnecessary stress to council staff who are already overwhelmed addressing the urgent concerns of our community.

“It also disadvantages smaller councils who often lack the staff to compete with larger councils applying for the same grants. The outcome is that smaller regional councils miss out.

“Increased direct funding is essential. It would empower councils to plan more effectively, allocate resources where they are most needed, and respond to their communities with the agility required in today’s fast-paced environment.

“Imagine the transformative impact of guaranteed, collaborative funding for our councils. With it, they could proactively address pressing issues like road safety, waste management, and local economic initiatives, without the crippling uncertainty of awaiting federal grant approvals.

“Crucial projects should not be held to ransom as political announcement opportunities.

“It’s time we trust our local leaders – they understand their communities and need to be supported by the federal government. In parliament, I will be a tireless advocate for local government.”

Media notes:

• The Australian Local Government Association submission to the Inquiry into local government sustainability can be accessed here
• See also Financial sustainability in Australian local government, 2 July 2024