This week, I had the honour of attending the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA). It is our country’s largest and most influential gathering of local government leaders. I am privileged to have been able to take time off my full-time job to be able to attend this multi-day event.
As a first-time Councillor, the NGA was a crucial chance for me to gain a deeper insight into the systemic challenges that face local councils, contribute to shaping the national agenda on issues that directly impact our communities, and was an invaluable opportunity for me to engage with peers across Australia.
The Assembly reinforced the critical role local governments play in driving change from the ground up. Discussions and speakers consistently highlighted the urgent need to invest in climate adaptation, strengthen infrastructure, and collaborate across levels of government to protect communities from worsening disasters.
With disasters becoming more frequent and severe, it’s clear that local councils are on the frontlines. We need immediate, sustained, and dedicated resources to protect our communities, and yet there is a symptom of ‘passing the buck’ in all levels of government, and we cannot continue with the status quo if we want our local communities and beyond to not just survive, but thrive in the future.
Regardless on how you feel about climate change and its effect, the message was clear: climate risks are escalating whether you like it or not, and inaction or insufficient action will be detrimental to the communities we live in.
Climate action aside, one of the most meaningful moments (to me, at least!) was the provisional passing of our motion (#192) to support a fair and compassionate approach for people seeking asylum was provisionally passed during the NGA, alongside our motion (#105) to support local manufacturing.
We also hosted an exhibition stand and morning tea to help raise awareness about the Back Your Neighbour campaign – a nationwide initiative advocating for basic rights for people seeking asylum who are living in our communities, including visa certainty, access to essential services, and fair pathways to permanency.
You can visit backyourneighbour.com.au to learn more. If you don’t live in the City of Greater Dandenong, you can also find out if your local Council is a member. If not, please considering asking your Councillors to join and help build fairer and more welcoming communities.