Australian Local Government Association

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AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
STRATEGIC PLAN
2007-2010

Vision

Local Government is an integral partner in the governing framework of Australia: efficient; democratic; fairly funded; fairly treated and formally recognised in the Australian Constitution.

The Australian Local Government Association is the focused, influential and representative voice of Local Government, supporting State and Territory Associations in delivering sustainable Local Government on behalf of our communities.

Mission

To forge improvements for Local Government across Australia by representing the agreed position of Local Government member associations at the national and international level.

Objectives

For the benefit of communities across Australia, the Australian Local Government Association aims to:

• Strengthen Local Government;
• Protect the interests of Local Government;
• Promote efficient, responsible and transparent Local Government processes; and
• Encourage the participation of all Australians in Local Government.

Background

ALGA is a small, highly effective, flexible, advocacy body that represents the collective national and international interests of Australian Local Government, as defined by constituent state and territory Local Government associations.

ALGA pursues three fundamental aims for local government: Fair funding, Fair treatment and Formal recognition. The '3Fs' provide the strategic framework which guides the Association’s activities in its core priority areas.

Our Core Priority Areas For Action Are:

1. local government finances
2. roads and transport
3. sustainability and the environment
4. regional equity and regional development
5. social policy and human services
6. information and communications technology
7. whole of government collaboration
8. strengthening democratic processes

Our business involves:

• energetic and thoughtful participation in the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), relevant Ministerial Councils, standing committees and working groups;
• close liaison with relevant Commonwealth departments and other federal agencies;
• preparation and presentation of high quality submissions to relevant inquiries;
• political advocacy, focussed on the Australian Parliament, including influence campaigns where appropriate;
• proactive media liaison and public relations activities;
• conduct of relevant research and development projects; and
• active membership of international Local Government organisations

Our authority comes from:

• continuous collaboration with, and provision of timely information to, constituents;
• committed leadership by directors appointed by constituents;
• consultation with Local Government through the National General Assembly of Local Government;
• excellence in research and policy development; and
• maintenance of a confident, persuasive, well informed public profile.

We achieve our objectives through:

• high quality policy and research
• development and presentation of realistic, intellectually robust and implementable policies, able to withstand searching scrutiny;
• credible, persuasive and authoritative advocacy;
• effective public affairs and communications strategies; and
• development and maintenace of partnerships and other relationships across governments.

Key outcomes

1. Strengthening local government finances

Strategy 1.1

Secure a fair share of national taxation revenue for Local Government.

Strategy 1.2

Ensure Local Government's share of taxation revenue matches growth in total Commonwealth taxation revenue.

Strategy 1.3

Increase the quantum of Local Government's share of taxation revenue over time, consistent with increasing community service delivery expectations.

Strategy 1.4

Ensure observance of the terms of the 2006 Intergovernmental Agreement on Local Government Relations which sets up a framework to avoid future cost shifting into local government.

2. Sustaining local roads, transport and other infrastructure

Strategy 2.1

Ensure a safe, effective, sustainable and adequately funded transport system for all local communities.

Strategy 2.2

Exert influence through participation in the Australian Transport Council.

Strategy 2.3

Ensure the administration of the expanded Roads to Recovery and Road Safety Black Spot programmes and Strategic Regional component of AusLink provide the necessary flexibility for local government.

Strategy 2.4

Ensure equitable distribution of Federal local road funding.

Strategy 2.5

Encourage and support cost effective asset management practices by local authorities.

Strategy 2.6

Lobby for the provision of adequate transport access in local communities.

Strategy 2.7

Ensure maximum coverage of local government through national initiatives to extend broadband.

3. Improving natural and built environmental outcomes

Strategy 3.1

Facilitate implementation of sustainable development principles in Local Government.

Strategy 3.2

Enhance the national role of Local Government in addressing major natural resource management issues, including water.

Strategy 3.3

Enhance the national role of Local Government in addressing major environmental protection and heritage issues

Strategy 3.4

Enhance the national role of Local Government in addressing the mitigation and adaptation challenges arising from climate change

Strategy 3.5

Ensure Local Government has an influential role, at all levels of government, in the long term planning of the built environment.

4. Enhancing regional equity and regional development

Strategy 4.1

Ensure clearly defined roles for Local Government are agreed within Commonwealth initiated regional initiatives.

Strategy 4.2

Secure appropriate Commonwealth intervention to achieve sustainable development across Australia’s regions.

Strategy 4.3

Secure Commonwealth commitment to the maintenance of Australia’s regional infrastructure.

Strategy 4.4

Develop strategic alliances to advance the development of under-performing regions.

5. Building capacity and sustainability in local communities

Strategy 5.1

Enhance Commonwealth understanding and appreciation of the role of Local Government in the delivery of human services.

Strategy 5.2

Collaborate with the Commonwealth in the design and implementation of community focussed human services policies.

Strategy 5.3

Secure adequate Commonwealth financial support for Local Government delivered human services.

Strategy 5.4

Disseminate best practice models of sustainability in local communities.

Strategy 5.5

Facilitate efficiency and reform in Local Government by providing leadership, advocacy and sharing of information between States.

Strategy 5.6

Ensure that Commonwealth strategies to address skills and labour shortages also focus on and address the needs of Local Government.

6. Connecting member associations and the local government sector

Strategy 6.1

Research and collate information and data on the Local Government sector.

Strategy 6.2

Collaborate with member associations on policy development.

Strategy 6.3

Conduct National General Assembly and other annual major events to support collective engagement of Local Government.

Strategy 6.4

Provide regular information to Local Government on relevant national issues and activities.

Strategy 6.5

Build and maintain partnerships with other national bodies relevant to Local Government.

Strategy 6.6

Develop and maintain active relationships with peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

Strategy 6.7

Develop and maintain relations with Local Government associations in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Pacific island nations.

7. Engaging effectively in national government processes

Strategy 7.1

Robustly represent Local Government within COAG, relevant ministerial councils and other high level intergovernmental fora.

Strategy 7.2

Enhance whole of government recognition of the role of Local Government in the development and implementation of national policy.

Strategy 7.3

Maintain close liaison with relevant federal ministers, opposition frontbenchers and parliamentary opinion leaders.

Strategy 7.4

Maintain a capacity to respond effectively to unforseen whole of government initiatives and challenges.

8. Maintain and enhance democratic processes

Strategy 8.1

Defend in all fora the decision making prerogative of elected members in the planning process.

Strategy 8.2

Conduct research into the contribution of Local Government to the economic, social and environmental development and welfare of communities.

Strategy 8.3

Pursue recognition of Local Government in the Australian Constitution by clarifying and settling the specific constitutional amendment sought and garnering public and political support for a referendum.