Post-Budget, Post-Hike: What Australian Councils Must Do Now to Protect Cash Flow
Rate caps are rising at half the pace of inflation, infrastructure costs haven't dropped since COVID, and arrears are compounding. In this roundtable, council leaders unpack the four federal budget measures squeezing local government and the four levers councils can act on now to protect cash flow and financial sustainability.
What you will learn
Four budget measures are compounding the squeeze
A 32c/L fuel excise cut, a 50% capital gains concession cut, $2.9bn in Financial Assistance Grants paid early, and a $2bn Local Infrastructure Fund each carry a sting in the tail for council budgets already capped below inflation.
Four levers councils can pull right now
Service planning, revenue diversification, community transparency, and proactive arrears management. Map the true cost of every service and have the honest, adult conversations with your community before a crisis forces the call.
Proactive payment plans prevent structural arrears
Get ratepayers onto plans before they fall behind, auto-approve affordable amounts, and target 45%+ recurring payment adoption. Left unaddressed, arrears compound year on year and erode financial sustainability.
About the Speaker
Tony Rocca is Director Corporate Services at Maroondah City Council and President of FinPro, with 10 years in local government spanning rates, valuation, and property debt collection. Patrick Dillon is General Manager Innovation and Engagement at Bass Coast Shire Council, with 20 years across digital transformation, customer experience, and finance in Victorian councils. Moderated by Dailius Wilson, Chief Economist at Payble.
