The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport‘s inquiry into local government funding will hear from Geoscape Australia and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing this week.
The Committee wants to better understand from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing how local government can be supported to help deliver medical, aged care and disability services across their communities. In 2025-26, the Australian Government provided nearly $250 million to local governments for a range of public health services, as well as community-based health and home care services, according to the Department. The funds were also to support critical infrastructure and service delivery, particularly in areas of market failure.
The Committee will also hear from Geoscape Australia to discuss its role as the nation’s location intelligence organisation, using location data to deliver geospatial capabilities and insights to support local government and business.
Committee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips, said “The Committee is keen to hear from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing about whether current funding arrangements are meeting local governments’ needs. It also wants to explore how funding can better support councils delivering health, aged care and disability services, particularly in regional and rural communities.”
“In regard to Geoscape Australia, the Committee looks forward to hearing how Geoscape services can assist local governments with better infrastructure planning, climate resilience, energy management, and how to manage the damage from natural disasters such as flooding.”
Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.
Public hearing
Date: Thursday, 13 August 2026
Time: 11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra
A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.
