Local Government

Roberts opposed the motion, drawing on her experience as a former mayor to argue that the government was delivering record investment in local government. Roberts stated that financial assistance grants had increased by 35 per cent since 2021-22, rising from $2.6 billion to $3.6 billion, and that over $16 billion had flowed to councils in the government's first term. Roberts highlighted the doubling of Roads to Recovery funding to $4.4 billion and the introduction of the $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund. Roberts contrasted this with the coalition's 2014 decision to freeze indexation, which she argued caused a permanent 13 per cent reduction in funding.

Willcox seconded the motion, arguing that local councils manage 33 per cent of public infrastructure assets despite receiving only three per cent of tax revenue. Willcox criticised the government for slashing financial assistance grants to 0.49 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue and eliminating the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Willcox highlighted changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, noting that the federal share was reduced to a fifty-fifty split with states, requiring councils to pay $130,000 upfront for disaster events. Willcox argued this shift placed an unfair financial burden on ratepayers and local governments, particularly in Queensland.

Cook opposed the motion, asserting that the government had provided over $16 billion in financial assistance grants, an increase of $943 million over five years compared to $368 million under the coalition. Cook argued that the coalition had allowed the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to expire in 2023-24, and that the government had extended it with an additional $250 million. Cook highlighted the restoration of the Australian Council of Local Government and the doubling of Roads to Recovery funding. Cook urged the house to reject the motion, citing the government's commitment to long-term certainty and partnership with councils.

Penfold commended the motion, expressing disappointment with the government's justification of its funding record. Penfold noted that councils were facing a crisis due to cost-shifting of responsibilities such as aged care and child care, alongside aging infrastructure and workforce shortages. Penfold highlighted the lack of betterment funding for disaster recovery, citing an example in her electorate where a bridge could not be raised to withstand future floods. Penfold pointed out that financial assistance grants had fallen to 0.49 per cent of tax revenue, contrary to promises to move towards one per cent, and argued that councils needed greater financial autonomy.

Neumann opposed the motion, accusing the coalition of a poor record on local government, including opposing referenda to recognise councils in the constitution and voting against disaster recovery funding in 2011. Neumann cited the 2014 budget freeze on financial assistance grants as a significant blow to councils, causing a 13 per cent reduction in the grants base. Neumann highlighted Labor's investments in local infrastructure, including upgrades to parks, civic centres, and community facilities in Queensland. Neumann argued that the government had doubled Roads to Recovery funding and increased Black Spot funding, contrasting this with the coalition's opposition to such measures.