Local Government Sustainability Frameworks
In May 2006 the State and Territory Ministers for Local Government met to discuss issues concerning the financial sustainability of local government. The meeting determined that a series of nationally consistent Frameworks on financial sustainability measures would be developed.
Three Frameworks have been developed:
- assessing local government financial sustainability;
- asset planning and management; and
- financial planning and reporting.
At its meeting on 20 October 2006, the Council agreed that each State and Territory would consult with local government and other relevant bodies about the frameworks, and how they could be applied within their respective jurisdictions.
At the meeting of 26 March 2007, the Council endorsed nationally consistent frameworks and agreed that each State and Territory government apply the frameworks in the context of their relationships with their local government sectors. The frameworks aim to provide a consistent reporting mechanism for all local government authorities and a clearer picture for State and Territory governments of the financial and management "health" of local governments.
On 8 May 2009 the Council agreed to enhance the nationally consistent frameworks on local government asset and financial management frameworks to assist councils improve their asset and financial management and planning. They also committed to the acceleration of the implementation of the frameworks.