What's Happening?
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is inviting councils across Australia to participate in the 2025 LG Skills and Workforce Survey. This initiative, conducted in partnership with Public Skills Australia and funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, aims to identify workforce pressures and potential skills shortages within the local government sector. The survey is part of a broader effort to strengthen workforce planning and support the pipeline of workers needed to meet future demands. Alongside the survey, a series of workshops will be held to map skill requirements, link services with roles, and identify necessary capabilities. These workshops will also explore barriers to accessing vocational education and training, as well as opportunities to improve training pathways.
Why It's Important?
The survey and workshops are crucial for addressing the skills shortages and workforce pressures faced by local governments in Australia. By gathering comprehensive data, ALGA aims to build a strong evidence base that will inform workforce planning and development strategies. This initiative is expected to help councils better prepare for future demands, ensuring they have the necessary workforce to deliver essential services. The focus on vocational education and training pathways is particularly significant, as it could lead to improved access to training and development opportunities for workers, thereby enhancing the overall capability of the local government sector.
What's Next?
The workshops will take place in various locations across Australia, including Cairns, Adelaide, Busselton, Perth, Rockhampton, Townsville, and Melbourne, with more dates to be announced. These sessions will provide councils with the opportunity to engage directly with the survey process and contribute to the mapping of skill requirements. The outcomes of the survey and workshops will likely influence future policy decisions and workforce planning strategies within the local government sector. ALGA encourages councils to participate actively to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future workforce landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative by ALGA highlights the growing importance of workforce planning in the face of evolving service demands and technological advancements. By focusing on skills mapping and training pathways, the survey and workshops could lead to long-term improvements in workforce resilience and adaptability. This approach may also foster greater collaboration between local governments and educational institutions, potentially leading to innovative solutions for workforce development.
