Commision pages

The Commission

The Victorian Local Government Grants Commission consists of a Chairman and two members appointed by the Governor in Council.

  • Mr. Steven Kingshott (Chair) – term expires on 31 October 2027
  • Ms. Marg Allan – term expires on 31 October 2025
  • Mr. Michael Ulbrick – term expires on 31 October 2025

VLGGC Fact Sheet provides an overview of the Commission and the financial assistance grants to Victoria’s 79 councils.

The Annual Allocation Report, released annually in September/October, provides more details on the methodology and activities of the Commission.

Legislation

The Commonwealth Government’s Financial Assistance Grants Program provides annual funding to councils to support the delivery of services to their communities. The grants are untied, allowing councils to spend the funds according to local priorities.

The Victorian Local Government Grants Commission is required to make recommendations for the allocation of financial assistance grants to councils in accordance with a set of nationally agreed principles.

For more information on the formulation of the national principles, please refer to the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995.

The operations of the Commission are governed by the Victorian Local Government Grants Commission Act 1976.

The Act establishes the Commission for the purpose of making recommendations for financial assistance to councils, provides for the appointment and remuneration of Commission members, and specifies the general operations of the Commission, including meetings and annual reporting requirements.

All of the Commission's costs are met by the Victorian Government through the Department of Government Services.

National Distribution Principles

Horizontal Equalisation
General purpose grants are allocated on a ‘full horizontal equalisation basis’ by assessing the relative needs of councils.

Effort Neutrality
The Commission must use an effort or policy neutral approach when assessing council finances.

Minimum Grant
The minimum general purpose grant for a council is calculated based on a nominal per capita distribution of 30 percent.

Other Grant Support
Recognition of any other relevant grants to councils.

Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islanders
Recognition of the needs of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.

Council amalgamation
Following amalgamation, the maintenance of grants to newly formed councils.

Local Roads
Local roads grants are allocated to councils based on an assessment of the preservation of their road assets.