The 2026–27 Federal Budget will be delivered in a context unlike any Australia has experienced. While the ongoing priorities of the Albanese Government remain front of mind (housing, climate, productivity), Australians are also embracing new ways of expressing culture, identity and community. There is a growing awareness of the importance of social cohesion and resilience, both locally and nationally.
Our submission is grounded in the view that local government remains underutilised and underestimated in its capacity to shape the wellbeing of its communities. With short term, inconsistent and insufficient funding, councils cannot fully meet their responsibilities as stewards of the people and businesses who call their areas home.
This pre budget submission positions local government as fundamental to the equitable delivery of national priorities. From this foundation, we outline the essential role our member councils play in addressing Australia’s housing shortages and make the case for sustained investment in community building facilities, infrastructure, services and programs.
