Labor conference to debate local funding, One Nation's rise

Labor's national conference is set to grapple with a significant issue: a push to increase funding for local governments to 1% of Commonwealth revenue. This "sleeper issue," as described by Sydney's Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, is seen as a key driver of voter frustration in regional communities, potentially fueling support for the minor party One Nation.

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It's contributing to the very febrile atmosphere in the bush, where people are turning away from big parties, from the National Party, and parking their vote with One Nation.

Byrne argues that the lack of sustainable funding for local councils forces them to shoulder essential services like aged care and childcare, and even subsidize local GPs. He warns that without intervention, many councils could face closure. He believes that if the Labor Party commits to a pathway for increased funding, it would offer practical, meaningful support to regional communities and present a distinct alternative to other political parties.

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If the Labor Party chooses to step in and say there will be a pathway to sustainable funding for local government, we'll then be able to say to those regional communities in particular, that we are stepping in to support them in a practical, meaningful way that no other party in Australian politics could do.

The proposal to lift local government funding would cost the federal government an estimated $3.6 billion annually. However, advocates are reportedly open to negotiating a phased approach to reach the 1% goal. Despite backroom negotiations on other conference issues, Byrne expressed confidence that a majority of delegates are willing to debate the funding proposal on the conference floor, with a strong chance of winning the argument.

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We're going to see councils have to shutter their doors … if we don't fix this financial crisis.