The tabling of the Victoria Grants Commission’s annual report has revealed the damage inflicted by the Federal Coalition Government’s cuts to funding for local councils.

The report shows that Victoria’s 79 councils have been denied an estimated $17 million in Financial Assistance Grants in 2014-15, with a projected reduction of $39 million in 2015-16 and $62 million in 2016-17, totalling $118 million in cuts.

The cuts have particularly hurt regional and rural councils, estimated to have missed out on $11 million in funding last financial year and a further $24 million in 2015-16.

Victorian Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins called on the Commonwealth Minister for Territories, Local Government and Major Projects Paul Fletcher to restore the funding.

The Victoria Grants Commission’s primary function is to allocate grants provided by the Commonwealth Government to councils across the state.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

“The Federal Coalition Government has cost Victoria’s councils and communities an estimated $118 million in funding.”

“It’s time for the new Commonwealth Minister for Local Government to step up and restore Financial Assistance Grants.”

“I encourage the Shadow Spokesperson for Local Government  to stand with me in calling on Canberra to restore the funding.”