The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government has just marked five years of operation, with more local government research partnerships planned.
“As a former Minister for Local Government, I have a passion and commitment for the role of local government in our federation,” said ACELG Chairperson, The Hon. Margaret Reynolds. “Over the past five years, ACELG has provided a vital service to local councils by ensuring they can access the latest information about new ways to address the problems they face.”
ACELG is a unique consortium of universities and professional bodies based at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and includes the UTS Centre for Local Government, the University of Canberra, the Australian and New Zealand School of Government, Local Government Managers Australia, and the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia.
In just five years ACELG has made impressive progress towards World class local government to meet the emerging challenges of 21st century Australia. Wide-ranging consultation with the local government sector has been paramount to its success to date.
Notable achievements from ACELG’s five years of operation include more than 80 reports and other publications, with corresponding events undertaken in all states and territories of Australia.
Key research produced to date includes: a national workforce strategy for local government; guides and recommendations on local government finance (including long term financial planning and strengthening revenues); targeted resources for rural-remote and Indigenous local governments; and critical research on community engagement, governance, liveability, collaboration and innovation, metropolitan planning, the use of social media, among other themes.
Roberta Ryan commented on the Centre’s potential in today’s climate of change:
“This is a positive time for local government. With change and reform brings new opportunities to improve how communities can be better served. ACELG now has five years of robust and thoughtful research ready to be utilised by councils and governments to make the most of these changes, with more research to come.”
“Local government has been underrated as a positive and ideas-based contributor to national debates, yet its social capital and upward influence is powerful, particularly since its leadership is closest to citizens.
“ACELG’s validated research helps make local government’s voice harder to ignore. The Centre will continue to speak on issues through its work, and I am excited about how ACELG’s future program will contribute to better local places and communities.”
ACELG’s research activities continue apace with a full research agenda for the future. Current in-depth studies include: low-income housing and local government; local government and affirmative social influence; local leadership and representation; understanding and measuring public value; local government finance; enhancing the local government workforce; sustainable regions; nationally consistent asset and financial management processes, plus more.
ACELG and consortium partners are planning events to support these and other initiatives such as the 4th ACELG-LGMA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Local Government National Roundtable, in Freemantle; the Excellence in Local Government Leadership Program delivered by consortium partner ANZSOG in Canberra; a Local Government Research Symposium in Darwin; and the Elected Members Executive Certificate Program in Wagga and Sydney, plus other workshops and seminars.
All are welcome to participate in these events.
ACELG Chairperson Margaret Reynolds emphasised the value of ACELG as a partner to the sector:
“ACELG brings together local government practitioners and researchers to find solutions to common problems. I see ACELG as a partner with local government in showcasing innovative policy and practice which can then be shared across the nation. I congratulate our research partners on work achieved so far and I look forward to their input into ACELG’s work in the future.”