The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will begin its interstate hearings in Melbourne and Sydney next week as part of its inquiry into local government funding.
The Committee wants to better understand the funding challenges faced by local government and its workers who provide infrastructure and deliver services to residents of two of Australia’s largest cities in Melbourne and Sydney, and to fast growing regional areas nearby in both Victoria and NSW.
Committee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips, said “The Committee is looking forward to learning more about the fiscal sustainability of local government in both Victoria and NSW, potential solutions to current challenges, and the impacts of rising demands on the sector’s workforce.”
Hearings will begin in Melbourne on Tuesday 28 April where the committee will hear from local government representative bodies, unions, metropolitan councils and regional councils. The Committee will explore a range of issues including grant distribution processes, workforce issues, and labour market conditions across Victoria.
The Committee will then travel to Sydney for hearings on Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May to hear from academic experts, state government officials, councils from metropolitan, regional and outer‑urban areas, unions, and other stakeholders. Discussions will cover financial sustainability, insurance and risk, workforce challenges, and broader pressures facing local government across New South Wales.
Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry webpage.
Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.
Public hearing details
Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Time: 9.00 am – 5.25 pm
Location: Melbourne
Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 12.45 pm – 5.00 pm
Location: Sydney
Date: Friday, 1 May 2026
Time: 9.00 am – 3.45 pm
Location: Sydney
Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.
Details for upcoming public hearings and more information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, submissions and transcripts of previous hearings, is available on the inquiry webpage.
Media enquiries
Mrs Fiona Phillips, MP
Media Adviser: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
For background information
Committee Secretariat
02 6277 2232
[email protected]
