Canberra hearing on 17 September will examine council funding access
A House of Representatives committee will hear from the Department of Social Services and DITRDCSA on 17 September 2026 as part of its inquiry into local government funding.
The public hearing will run from 11.20 am to 1.00 pm in Committee Room 1R3 at Parliament House in Canberra. A live broadcast will be available on the APH website.
That session will finalise the public hearing program for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport.
Members are examining how both departments manage responsibilities linked to the financial sustainability of local government. Their work includes how councils use Commonwealth funding for services and programs, including family support services and infrastructure investments funded through DITRDCSA.
DSS grants and funding barriers
Committee chair Fiona Phillips said members wanted a clearer picture of how both departments manage major Commonwealth funding flows to councils.
“The Committee wants to better understand how both departments manage significant Commonwealth funding to local governments,” Mrs Phillips said.
With DSS, the committee will explore how councils apply for grants, including through the Strong and Resilient Communities program.
Meanwhile, members will question DITRDCSA about barriers that can block councils from accessing funding. They also want evidence on how the Commonwealth could improve the effectiveness and coordination of funding provided to local governments.
Phillips said the committee was also focused on support for councils, especially smaller regional and rural councils, as they navigate funding arrangements.
“We will be interested in hearing about the support available to councils, especially smaller regional and rural councils, to navigate funding arrangements for the benefit of their communities,” Mrs Phillips said.
Further details on the inquiry, its terms of reference and ways to contribute are available on the committee website. The hearing program is also published there.
People following the inquiry can make a submission, read other submissions and find upcoming public hearings through the committee page. Users can also track the committee and receive email updates.
The House of Representatives committee did not say when it expects to report its findings from the inquiry.
