Agreement recognises equal partners in government

Published on 12 March 2025

The peak body representing Queensland’s 77 councils has welcomed the signing of the Equal Partners in Government Agreement with Premier David Crisafulli.

Premier Crisafulli and Local Government Minister Ann Leahy joined Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President Mayor Matt Burnett and LGAQ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alison Smith at Parliament House on Tuesday for the signing of the three-year agreement that reaffirms the State Government commitment to working in partnership with councils to deliver for Queenslanders. 

The Equal Partners in Government Agreement was first signed in 2012 by the Queensland Government, then Minister for Local Government David Crisafulli and the Local Government Association of Queensland. 

Premier David Crisafulli said the agreement was another example of how the government was resetting the relationship with local government to deliver better outcomes for Queenslanders. 

“We are delivering a fresh start and empowering local governments to deliver for their communities,” Premier Crisafulli said.  

“We promised this would be a government that worked with, not against councils, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with this partnership.  

“This is about less red tape and more support for councils to deliver what’s needed on the ground in communities across Queensland.” 

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said she was proud to put forward the Equal Partners in Government Agreement, which signified the mutual respect between state and local government. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to ensuring local government operates in a fit-for-purpose framework, and in a relationship of mutual respect, delivering the best outcomes for the people of Queensland,” Minister Leahy said. 

“I’m particularly proud to be a signatory to this agreement because the Crisafulli Government recognises the valuable contribution that local governments make to our communities and we are focused on giving real help to our local government partners.” 

Local Government Association of Queensland President Mayor Matt Burnett welcomed the new agreement which he said further cemented the excellent working relationship the State had garnered with councils since coming to office in October. 

“Partnerships only work when they are truly equal. And we know that when the State and local governments work together, that’s when we really achieve for local communities right across Queensland,” Mayor Burnett said. 

“This agreement heralds the start of a new era of working together to drive this state forward. 

LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the Equal Partners in Government Agreement formalised an election commitment made by Premier Crisafulli and Minister Leahy to Queensland’s councils to prioritise the relationship with local government. 

“The importance of the partnership between the State and Queensland councils has never been more important than during the natural disasters that have impacted North Queensland and South East Queensland in recent weeks,” Ms Smith said. 

“With 15 MPs with local government experience who bring solid knowledge of the sector to their work with councils in the State Government, we look forward to continuing to work in good faith and in equal partnership over the term ahead.”

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Dan Knowles, Media Advisor
Phone: 0432 681 664