Frankston City Council has brought the city’s agenda to Canberra this week, with Mayor Kris Bolam JP, Cr Sue Baker JP and Cr Brad Hill JP attending the 2025 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly.
Held annually, the Assembly draws hundreds of mayors, councillors and local government leaders from across the country to tackle the biggest issues facing Australian communities.
Cr Sue Baker said the gathering offered Frankston City a vital chance to help shape ALGA’s national advocacy priorities while putting local concerns firmly on the federal radar.
“When councils advocate and work together, we can achieve amazing things,” Cr Baker said.
“It’s crucial that we build strong and lasting relationships with all levels of government. By working closely with other councillors from around Australia, we can share what works, learn from each other, and strengthen the collective voice of local government.”
National wins for local initiatives
Frankston City Council submitted four motions to the Assembly, all of which received backing from the national delegation. These included:
- More focus on blockchain and cryptocurrency in local government
- Compensation for councils that host citizenship ceremonies
- Support for the Federal Government’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024
- Decentralisation of federal government agencies and jobs to outer metropolitan and regional centres
Josh Sinclair, CEO of the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, said support for decentralisation was a significant win for the region.
“Relocating federal jobs and agencies to growth areas like Frankston City will drive employment, investment and economic development in communities that are ready to lead – and Frankston is doing just that,” Mr Sinclair said.
Wayne Holdsworth, founder of SmackTalk and Frankston’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, also praised the backing for online safety reforms.
“When I lost my son Mac at just 17, social media was a major factor,” Mr Holdsworth said.
“Raising awareness is important, but we need real action. The Online Safety Amendment Bill is a critical start, but only the beginning. I’m glad to see councils like Frankston City using their voice to help push for these changes.”
Strengthening global ties
While in Canberra, the Council delegation also advanced Frankston’s international partnerships, meeting with His Excellency Ajay Amrit, High Commissioner of Fiji to Australia, to build on the sister city agreement with Suva established in 2021. A potential visit by Suva City Council and the Fijian High Commission to Frankston is being explored for later this year.
Discussions were also held with His Excellency Xiao Qian, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of China, regarding Frankston’s sister city relationship with Wuxi, formalised in 2011. Mayor Bolam accepted an invitation to visit Wuxi in September, while Ambassador Qian is expected to make a formal visit to Frankston in August.
Ideas for Frankston’s future
The Mayor also toured the new $83 million Nellie Hamilton Centre in Queanbeyan — a combined civic, conference, library and office facility — to gather ideas for future infrastructure projects back home.
Wrapping up the Canberra visit, Mayor Bolam met with Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Hon. Bruce Billson, to discuss local business challenges, mental health support, and Frankston’s recent initiatives such as commercial rate relief, expanded grants, and new funding for business advocacy.
“Maintaining strong ties with those who shape policy, whether in government or diplomacy, is essential for Frankston’s long-term success,” Mayor Bolam said.
“This visit has opened the door to new ideas, stronger partnerships and national support for our city’s future.”
A detailed Delegates Report will be presented at an upcoming Council meeting, outlining key outcomes and learnings from the Canberra engagement.
