South Australian Local Government Grants Commission

In reply to Mr TELFER (Flinders) ((20 June 2022).). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Roads, Minister for Veterans Affairs): I have been advised:

Changes in the annual allocation of financial assistance grants from the Australian government occur annually as a result of increases in the pool of funding determined by the Australian government in accordance with the commonwealth Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995.

The annual increase in funding from the Australian government is determined by taking into account the estimated annual increase in the population of each state or territory according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the forecasted increase in the consumer price index. Initial estimates of the coming year's grant pool are determined following the federal budget and finalised in the first week in July.

Recommended allocations of grant funding to individual councils within South Australia are made by the SA Local Government Grants Commission (the Commission). Each year, the Minister for Local Government reviews the commission's recommendations, which, following ministerial endorsement, are then provided to the commonwealth minister for approval.

Approved grant allocations to individual councils may vary according to changes in the methodology applied by the commission. However, the annual total allocation of financial assistance grants from the Australian government to South Australia is not influenced by changes in the commission's methodology.