Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker. It's like bay 13 interjecting, but bay 13 are at least informative!

Those opposite really didn't value the sector, because they froze financial assistance grants, which has had a significant impact on every local council across the country, and we're still seeing that today. This side of the House have brought forward financial assistance grants to this year, and in the next couple of weeks, they will receive their entire allocation of the 2023-24 financial assistance grants, because we know how important it is to back the local government sector. We're listening to local communities through local councils. We are committed to building strong partnerships with our local governments to improve service delivery, to capitalise on our strengths and to help them tackle the big issues that are affecting their community. The clear message from local councils across the country was how refreshing it was that they now have a prime minister and a government that value their voice, that want to work with them, that are committed to the sector and that will be there for them day in, day out. (Time expired)

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