News and media releases

Get to know the issues facing local government by reading our recent news items.

15 July 2026

Procurement emerges as a powerful driver of social and sustainable outcomes in local government

Procurement is undergoing a significant transformation in local government, evolving from a traditional purchasing function into a strategic tool for delivering economic, social and environmental

Events; Media releases; News; Procurement
21 May 2026

MAV response to the Federal Budget

In May the Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Federal Budget, which includes several announcements impacting the local government sector.

Finance; Media releases; News
6 May 2026

Local Government reply to State Budget: a missed opportunity to invest in local communities

Today the State Government delivered its 2026/27 budget, and it's a budget that misses the opportunity to invest in initiatives that empower councils to deliver

Elections; Finance; Media releases; News
25 March 2026

New report highlights growing disinformation and harassment targeting local leaders

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has partnered with the Australian National University (ANU) and the German Marshall Fund (GMF) to deliver a new report

Governance; Media releases; News; Publications; Technology
4 March 2026

Local Futures Depend on Social Connection: How Councils Can Deliver Big Outcomes with the Right Support

The MAV has released Belonging Matters, a timely analysis showing that social connection is one of the most powerful drivers of community wellbeing, resilience and

Media releases; News; Public health; Publications
23 December 2025

Rate cap announced at 2.75%

The State Government’s rate cap announcement of 2.75 percent will create further significant challenges for councils and local communities in 2026.

Finance; News; Rates
18 December 2025

MAV & CHIA Vic celebrate affordable housing win for all Victorians

The peak bodies for community housing and local government in Victoria are celebrating a groundbreaking reform that legislates mandatory affordable housing requirements into Victoria’s planning

News; Planning and building
11 December 2025

MAV welcomes groundbreaking affordable housing amendments to Planning Bill

The Legislative Council passed the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025 last night after supporting significant amendments recommended by the MAV and councils

News; Planning and building
2 December 2025

MAV Calls to Transform Local Government in Victoria a Year Ahead of 2026 State Election

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has today released the first in its The Future is Local: A Case for Transforming Local Government in Victoria

Governance; Media releases; News; Publications
28 October 2025

Bill to rewrite Planning Act must be scrutinised in order to deliver homes Victorians need

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has called for comprehensive parliamentary scrutiny of the State Government's planning reform bill introduced today, raising concerns for the

Media releases; News; Planning and building

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