ASU Local Government summit

Did you see us in Parliament last week?

ASU members representing workers in local government across Australia came to Parliament! Together, we met with the new Federal Labor Government about sustaining our sector (along with key stakeholders including the Australian Local Government Association, mayors and CEOs).

ASU members were clear. Local government needs:

• Sustainable funding: The Local Government financial system needs to be reformed so no councils are disadvantaged, and Australian government Financial Assistant Grants to Local Government should be increased
• Support for trainees and apprentices: A federally funded trainee and apprenticeship scheme should be launched centred on local government
• A Fair Jobs Code: We are calling for a Fair Jobs Code for local government to stop the exploitative use of labour hire, lift standards and to protect the rights of all local government workers
• Disaster Relief Funding: Additional and direct funding must be allocated to Local Councils affected by natural disasters to ensure financial assistance is expended in affected local communities
• Action to support the increased community needs for local government services: The Federal Government must offer funding and grants to keep pace with delivery costs and the tier of government (Commonwealth or State) instigating a mandate to local government should be responsible for funding the mandate

Can you spread the word? Share this photo here to your Facebook page to grow the campaign.

This is just the beginning! During the election campaign, Labor made a number of commitments that will support and improve the vital work of ASU members in local government. We will be campaigning hard with ASU members in local government to ensure each commitment becomes a reality.

P.S. There’s strength in numbers. Forward this to your workmates in local government and ask them to join here!