Local governments and community groups are being restricted by new objectives set by the Albanese Government as its Stronger Communities Programme Round 9 opened on 14 February 2025.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Senator McKenzie said Labor’s guidelines show how blind this Government is to what local communities really need.
“Community building grants for men’s sheds, scout halls and volunteer emergency services, which were eligible under the Coalition, have been put on the backburner by the Albanese Government which has instead prioritised NAIDOC week celebrations, First Nations uniforms and acquisition and installation of renewable energy sources and storage,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The Stronger Communities Programme is designed to deliver much needed funding for small scale upgrades and equipment such as shade shelters, BBQ’s, medical supplies and canteen equipment so community groups can continue to provide the service they do to enhance the well-being of people living in regional and rural Australia.
“It beggars’ belief that the Albanese Labor Government would make small community organisations jump through hurdles to comply with guidelines that inhibit them from receiving much needed funds.
“No one can tell me how the average men sheds, surf lifesavers or volunteer fire brigades are going to practically comply with requirements demanding grants for either First Nations, migrant, emissions reduction, gendered or specifically female focused purposes.”
“At the end of the day, these are our volunteers, our firies, our surf lifesavers who give up their valuable time to keep our communities safe and contribute to the fabric of our society, the least we can do is provide them with the necessary resources to perform their job,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The current Round 9 objectives limits volunteers from being able to provide their local clubs and community centres with drinking fountains and sporting equipment which are items that foster participation and enhance the vibrancy of our communities all while providing enduring benefits.”