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Local Government Financial Assistance Grants Review

The Commonwealth Grants Commission review into the operation of the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995 is now well underway.

The Commission has released a discussion paper on the review and has receiveda large number of written submissions.

The Commission has already commenced its programme of visits to capital cities and regional centres to discuss issues with representatives of Commonwealth, State and Local Government agencies and Local Government.

The Commission conducts its meetings in an informal and friendly manner and encourages participants to give a frank account of their views on the Financial Assistance Grants arrangements.

Where convenient, council representatives should attend these meetings to personally make their views known to the Commission.

The feedback on the first of the Commission's meetings in Tasmania and Queensland has been very positive.

The Commission was very appreciative of the views provided by representatives of Local Government in particular.

These meetings will be very important in informing the Commission on particular issues that are of concern to Local Government.

The Commission will release a draft report on 21 December 2000 and a final report will be submitted on 22 June 2001.

The Commission will hold a conference in Canberra on 29 &endash;30 March 2001 to discuss the draft report.

The FAGS discussion paper and submissions are available on the Commission's website at www.cgc.gov.au

Consultation dates and locations

Hobart and Launceston 17-18 July

Brisbane, Townsville and Longreach 2-4 August

Darwin and Alice Springs 17-18 August

Adelaide and Barossa 29-30 August

Perth and Albany 10-11 October

Melbourne and Bendigo 17-18 October

Sydney, Coffs Harbour and Dubbo 25-27 October

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