"The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government is a unique collaboration of universities and professional bodies committed to the advancement of local government. The Centre's vision is: World-class local government to meet the emerging challenges of 21st century Australia"

The Australian Government has contributed $8 million in funding for the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government. The Centre's mandate is to enhance professionalism and skills in local government, showcase innovation and best practice, and facilitate a better-informed policy debate.

The Centre will:

Build on existing local government programs and networks Encourage innovation and best practice across local government Foster good governance and strategic leadership Support action to improve local government workforce capability to address skill shortages and attract and retain skilled staff Promote new and improved training and development programs and Stimulate and inform debate on key issues for local government in coming decades.

At the ACELG Launch: (L-R) Margaret Reynolds, Anthony Albanese, Maxine McKew and Ross Milbourne.

ACELG's activities are grouped into six program areas:

• Research and policy foresight
• Innovation and better practice
• Governance and strategic leadership
• Organisation capacity building
• Rural-remote and Indigenous Local Government
• Workforce development.

Advisory Groups and Committees

• Research Advisory Committee.
• National Workforce Development Reference Group.

Annual Reports

• 2012 Annual Report
• 2011 Annual Report
• 2010 Annual Report
• 2009 Annual Report.