Australia

Abstract

<p>After having outlined its most relevant administrative features, the case of financial vulnerability of local governments (LGs) in Australia is presented and discussed applying the conceptual framework developed in Chapter 2. Although little change was observed in administrative structure and fiscal rules, as well as in the revenue structure in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, municipal expenditure structure was affected dramatically during the crisis. The chapter describes financial health of LGs at the onset of the crisis and presents some important measures taken by the Australian Government to assist LGs and local residents in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic.</p>