By Angela Dorizas

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed Julia Gillard as the Prime Minister designate and thanked former prime minister Kevin Rudd for his work with local government.

“Julia Gillard will make an excellent Prime Minister and we look forward to working closely with her,” ALGA president, Cr Geoff Lake, told Government News.

“We wish Kevin Rudd all the best for the future.

“He was a great friend and supporter of local government during his time as Prime Minister and we will miss him.”

Over recent years, the Federal Government has forged closer ties with local government. The Rudd Government’s decision to establish the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) was an important milestone in local and federal government relations.

At the third ACLG meeting, held last week in Canberra, mayors were given unprecedented access to federal ministers and parliamentary secretaries.

Cr Lake said he was confident the positive relationship between local and federal government would continue under Gillard's leadership.

“We are confident that the strong partnership established between the Government and councils will continue under the change of leadership,” he said.

“In the event of any ministerial reshuffle, we hope that Anthony Albanese will continue as Local Government Minister because he has been the best Federal Minister for Local Government in decades.”

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