Hearings commence for local government funding inquiry

THE Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts will explain its key financial role at the opening public hearing for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government funding.

In 2023-24 the Department was responsible for administering more than $5 billion or 94% of the Commonwealth’s total commitment to local governments. The committee wants to better understand how the Department’s manages its important role in the funding and financial sustainability of local governments in Australia.

Of this funding for local governments, more than $3 billion in 2023-24 was provided under the untied Financial Assistance Grants. Another $500 million was for Roads to Recovery (RTR) and also $730 million for Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) programs.

Chair of the committee, Fiona Phillips, said, "The committee will be considering whether existing funding mechanisms are addressing the evolving responsibilities of local governments and identify how funding arrangements affect local government’s ability to deliver services and invest in local infrastructure."

Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the committee’s website.

Evidence provided to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport inquiry into Local Government Sustainability of the 47^th Parliament will also be considered as part of this new inquiry.

The committee will schedule further public hearings in 2026.

Public hearing

Date: Thursday, 5 February 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

ends