Labor leader Anthony Albanese has flagged the return of a body similar to COAG to bring together federal, state, territory and local governments to discuss common issues.
The Council of Australian Governments was abolished by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in favour of “national cabinet” when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
While state and territory leaders have taken part in national cabinet, they have also been critical of the fact they often cannot get their issues onto its agenda.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this week said she had been seeking a discussion on hospital funding at the national cabinet, but Mr Morrison had not allowed it.
Mr Albanese told reporters on the NSW Central Coast on Tuesday one of the first things he would do is convene a meeting with other government leaders to talk about how “we move forward”.
“I will involve also local government in that process.”
In June 2020, Mr Morrison announced the National Federation Reform Council would replace COAG, with national cabinet at the centre of the council.
The plan involved the council meeting once a year in person, with the national cabinet, treasurers and the Australian Local Government Association taking part.
COAG was formed in May 1992 by then prime minister Paul Keating.
