Visit to Canberra highlights Council’s drive for growth, global ties
Published on 01 July 2025
Frankston City Council has taken its voice to the national stage 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 (NGA) in Canberra.
The annual gathering brings together hundreds of Mayors, Councillors and senior local government leaders from across the country to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing Australian communities.
Councillor Sue Baker said the Assembly offered an important opportunity for Frankston City to contribute to ALGA’s federal advocacy platform, while championing the city’s local priorities on the national stage.
“When councils advocate and work together, we can achieve amazing things,” Cr Baker said.
“It’s crucial that we form strong and enduring relationships with all levels of government—federal, state and local. Fostering close collaboration with fellow Councillors from across Australia allows us to learn from one another, share successful strategies, and collectively amplify the voice of local government.”
Frankston City Council presented four motions at the Assembly, all of which were successfully supported by the national delegation:
- Increased attention on blockchain and cryptocurrency in local government
- Compensation for councils hosting 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 areas
Josh Sinclair, CEO of the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, said the decentralisation motion was a major win for the region.
“Relocating federal jobs and agencies to growth areas like Frankston City, a designated Metropolitan Activity Centre, will drive jobs, investment and economic development in regions which are willing to lead – and that’s exactly what Frankston City is doing,” Mr Sinclair said.
Wayne Holdsworth, founder of SmackTalk and Frankston’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, welcomed national support for the motion and called for real action to protect young people online.
“Social media plays a huge role in young people’s lives, and its impact—both positive and negative—can be profound,” Mr Holdsworth said.
“When I lost my son Mac at just 17, social media was a major contributing factor. Since then, I’ve shared our story across Australia and overseas to help drive awareness—but awareness alone isn’t enough. We need action.”
“The Online Safety Amendment Bill is a critical step, but only the beginning. Platforms must be held accountable, and we must equip schools, families and communities with the tools they need to support young people. I’m grateful to see councils like Frankston City standing behind this work and using their platform to help push for change.”
As part of the Canberra visit, the delegation also met with key diplomatic leaders to advance Frankston City’s international sister city relationships.
This included a meeting with His Excellency Ajay Amrit, High Commissioner of Fiji to Australia, to strengthen ties with Suva, following the formalisation of the sister city agreement in 2021. A potential visit to Frankston by Suva City Council and the Fijian High Commission is being explored for later this year.
The delegation also met with His Excellency Xiao Qian, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of China, to discuss future relations between Chinese and Australian municipalities, including Frankston’s long-standing sister city partnership with Wuxi, established in 2011. Mayor Bolam has accepted an invitation to visit Wuxi in September, with Ambassador Qian confirming plans for a formal visit to Frankston in August.
The Mayor also visited the newly completed Nellie Hamilton Centre in Queanbeyan, a $83 million civic building combining conference, civic, library and office spaces – offering useful insight for Frankston’s own future infrastructure planning.
Wrapping up the visit, Mayor Bolam met with Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Hon. Bruce Billson – who previously represented the federal seat of Dunkley. They discussed small business challenges, support for mental health and capability
building, and Frankston City’s recent ‘Stronger Together’ Budget initiatives including commercial rate reductions, a boost in local business grants and new funding for business advocacy and innovation groups.
“Maintaining strong ties with those who influence policy – whether in government or diplomacy – is essential to the long-term success of our city,” Mayor Bolam said.
“This visit has opened the door to new ideas, strong partnerships and national support for Frankston’s future.”
A Delegates Report summarising the outcomes and learnings from the visit will be presented at a future Council Meeting.