Local Government News Roundup
Australiaâs no.1 podcast for local government news and views, hosted by veteran media presenter and senior executive Chris Eddy. Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
A forged signature, a cyber attack, and an atrocious price tag - #591
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In today's episode:
Council leaders sleeping out to highlight homelessnessA former CEO admits forging a signature on her employment contractDemergers press ahead in NSWA cyber attack against a Sydney council under investigationAn inquiry into Queenslandâs councillor complaints systemSunshine Coastâs tough new budgetHobart headed for a wide open Lord Mayoral election raceand a row in Adelaide over the site for a relocated MotoGPand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Mayoral deadlock, rates shock and a Tasmanian shake-up - #560
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Coming up on the podcast today:
A dramatic adjournment after a split mayoral vote on the Mornington PeninsulaAraratâs CEO announces his departure after eight yearsNSW councils get the green light for massive rate hikes of up to 58 per centSnowy Monaro Councillor Andrew Thaler faces a tense hearing over bullying allegationsSydney councils crack down on illegal tree poisoningsMayoral races heat up in Tasmaniaâs north-westNew Zealand moves to strip unelected iwi representatives of committee voting power,LAâs incumbent mayor faces a fierce three-way battle as voters head to the pollsPlus m...
A stark warning, a biased decision, and a call for clarity - #589
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Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A council on the brink - a stark warning for Kingston CouncilVictorian council workers set to strike for a second timeMore concerning revelations as the Parramatta ICAC Inquiry continuesA call for clarity over the NSW meeting code debacleRedland Council to fold its investment arm into its internal structureA finding of bias against a South Australian council after it cut its mayorâs term shortand the councillor hit with thousands of dollars in finesplus Balranald Shire Council CEO Terry Dodds sounds the al...
Governance emergency, urgent demands, and alleged undue influence - #588
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Coming up today:
Victorian Councils press their advocacy priorities - with hooning, road conditions and police numbers among the demandsA governance emergency in New South Wales has councils scrambling to roll back new meeting rulesA NSW MP accused of undue influence on council operationsA new CEO appointed to run two Tasmanian councilsIn WA, a commissioner appointed to Carnarvon Shire, and a Council CEO calls timeA $400M housing incentive fund for NZ Councilsand another Canadian council looks to unwind climate emergency actionsSupport the show
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Public shaming, demolition and decommissioning, and a mayoral exodus - #587
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Today on the Roundup:
More pressure on Wyndhamâs mayorMoyne councillors make a difficult decisionHistoric saleyards to be decommissioned in CamperdownA witness breaks down on the stand at the Parramatta ICAC InquiryCouncilsâ Rex Airline debt bailed out by the governmentA bid to increase short stay accommodation rates fails in HobartA mayoral exodus in South Australia, as one departing mayor takes aim at governments and peak bodiesAnd much more local government news from across Australia and beyond
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Blurred lines, voting fraud, and a surveillance culture - #586
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On the Local Government News Roundup today:
No end in sight for Wyndhamâs mayoral sagaCouncillors slam an MPâs blurring of âfact and fictionâVoting fraud claims rock Whittlesea byâelectionGlen Eira wins higher rates riseICACâs Parramatta inquiry alleges a fear, surveillance cultureCouncil CEO comings and goings in five statesRedlandâs governance advisor term extendedLaunceston slams the AFLâs Hawthorn exit decisionMajor reforms loom as Perthâs council is slammed for its diabolical cultureMandurah councillor resignation triggers public warPlus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and b...
Special Edition: Local Government's Perfect Storm, with Rum Charles
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In this episode of the Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Rum Charles, a veteran consultant and trainer who has worked with over 100 councils across Australia. With a career in the sector dating back to the mid-90s, Rum brings a candid and sometimes provocative perspective on the internal cultures of local government.
Prompted by his recent analysis of a "perfect storm" approaching the sector, we dive into the systemic challenges facing councils today. From the "switchboard mentality" that hinders modern customer experience to the...
Special Edition - the ABCD and Beyond of Local Government
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Today on Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Fiona Miller and Lee Griffiths, the authors of ABCD and Beyond: A Practical Guide for Local Government, published by the Jeder Institute.
This book has arrived at a time when councils are being asked to respond to complex, fast-moving challenges while also rebuilding trust, strengthening community relationships, and demonstrating clear public value.
The book brings together practice stories and plain language from councils across Australia to show what it looks like when local government shifts...
Special Edition: Community Safety and Crime Prevention, with Martin Taylor
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In this episode of the Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Martin Taylor, a barrister, solicitor, and councillor at the City of Whittlesea. A prolific author on the intersection of law and public policy, Martin has recently published a comprehensive two-volume set on environmental crime alongside a new, vital guide to community safety and crime prevention.
Drawing on his background in civil engineering and law, Martin discusses the urgent need for target hardening and the role of <...
Special Edition: Councils on the Frontline of the Homelessness Crisis
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Today we are joined by Andrew Clarke, a senior lecturer in sociology and social policy at the University of New South Wales, to discuss a timely and critical new study examining how Australian local governments are navigating the escalating homelessness crisis.
While homelessness has traditionally been viewed as a state or federal responsibility, Andrewâs research reveals that councils are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines as de facto service coordinators.
We explore the findings from a national survey of over 160 councils, wh...
Pink Ops clique, a stunning backflip, and unnecessary secrecy - #585
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Coming up today:Â
A mixed bag for councils in the Federal BudgetICAC probes a Pink Ops clique at Parramatta CouncilA Queensland mayor goes on medical leaveAn urgent call for funding reform from a rural councilA new study reveals the pressures on councils to respond to a homelessness crisisDomestic violence charges dropped against a local mayorAnd another South Australian CEO set to resignSupport the show
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Inquiry begins, police snub rejected, and a seismic shift in local politics - #584
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Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
ICAC Parramatta Council inquiry opens todayYarra Council reportedly set to drop a controversial bike planA seismic shift in local politics in EnglandA local mayor rejects police snub claimsMurrumbidgee expands consultation on its four day work planNew housing infrastructure funding welcomedA cyclist loses a damages case against Brisbane City CouncilSupport the show
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support...
Media ban, inland rail shock, and âmonster mergersâ - #583
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Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Hawkesbury Councilâs controversial media banThe latest South Australian Council CEO resignationKingboroughâs Deputy Mayor elected to the Tasmanian ParliamentCouncils react to the Victorian BudgetRegional fallout from a shock inland rail decisionKnox apologises for a double rates deduction errorA major new tourism attraction for TasmaniaAnother mayor to step asideand confirmation the Shire of Carnarvon will get a commissionerand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Quorum crisis, a missed opportunity, and a surprise career move - #582
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On the Local Government News Roundup today:
Resignations trigger a quorum crisis in WAA Council CEOâs surprise career moveChapel Street Traders drop their legal challenge against Stonnington CouncilPeak groups call the Victorian state budget a missed opportunityNewcastleâs new Lord Mayor confirmedIndustrial action to hit the Western DownsA mayor targeted by a nasty graffiti attackand a councillorâs viral spray against his own councilPlus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
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Resignation bombshell, boycotts and by-elections - #581
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Coming up today:
Marsh wins Nepean, triggering a by-election on the Mornington PeninsulaWyndhamâs leadership crisis deepens, with councillor boycotts, and now a resignationA troubled Sydney pool development is heading to courtTempers flare in North Queensland, as the local government minister resists calls to step inA funding gap leaving country towns high and dryCessnock announces its new General ManagerA Tasmanian deputy mayor in the hunt for a seat in state ParliamentAll of that and more just ahead on Australiaâs number one local government podcast.
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Viral resignation, funding feud, and a mayoral blast - #580
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Coming up today:Â
A councillorâs dramatic mid-meeting resignation goes viralA monitor appointed after a troubling psychosocial investigation reportBass Coast picks a new mayoral teamA funding feud erupts between a Council and a local MPSydney considering a ban on short-stay rentalsMudgee stadium lands a naming rights dealA mayor blasts water buyback profiteeringInside Launcestonâs failed four day work week planPlus a new CEO appointment and much moreOn Australia's #1 podcast for local government news and information.
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No-confidence, bombshell resignation, and teen takeovers - #579
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Coming up today:
Wyndhamâs mayor digs in, as the council passes a no-confidence motionA Tasmanian mayor drops a political bombshellGold Coast claims success with its homelessness crackdownVictorian councils challenge the state on roads funding and planning rulesMajor projects under review as costs sky-rocketA trip to Dublin draws criticism for a Sydney councilThe full cost of Broken Hillâs legal troubles revealedAnd resignation threats in Tasmania over the use of Acknowledgements of Countryplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Shock resignation, 2 month suspension, and an agenda setting emergency - #578
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Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A shock Council CEO resignationA two month suspension for a Hobart councillorA mayor calls out disrespect after a disrupted council meetingA councilâs special business levy challenged at VCATMore councils reveal the impact of fuel costs on service deliveryThe cost of a crackdown on homelessnessE-scooters and e-bikes pose challenges for more councilsPlus acting CEO appointments and election resultsSupport the show
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Censure, corruption inquiry, and unavoidable trade-offs - #577
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Fair Work ruling set to hit Councilsâ bottom linesa corruption inquiry announceda councillor censured and facing disqualificationwhile another is under investigation over a violent social media postindustrial action escalates across MelbourneHawkesbury Council standing up to bulliesa multi-million dollar headache for a Sydney councilan extension for the City of Perthâs monitora council unveils its pitch for a new namea call for an urgent police surge in TownsvillePolice investigating a serious incident involving a New Zealand councillorAll of that and more just...
âLower the temperature,â dysfunctional councillors, and a landslide win - #576
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
a landslide win for Newcastleâs new Lord Mayorcouncillors plan a motion of no-confidence in Wyndhamâs mayora $3B election call from a group of regional councilsa mayor calls for a lowering of the temperature after a family car is firebombeda councillor sensationally resigns, branding her colleagues as dysfunctionala last minute settlement of an unfair dismissal claim at a Tasmanian council, anda first of its kind deepfake detection pilot launched in England ahead of local electionsPlus the Roundup Flashback machine takes us b...
Resignations abound, by-election chaos, and a financial black hole - #575
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A string of CEO resignations, affecting four statesA $15M court decision with sector-wide implicationsIndustrial action at some Melbourne councils escalatesPolice are called, as Liverpoolâs by-election descends into chaosThe council pausing green waste collections to save on fuelA Councillor steps down after months of controversyA costly cleanup after a run of vandalism in KiamaQueensland councils staring into a financial black holeAnd scrutiny on a Councilâs interstate fact finding tripplus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Shock suspension, hidden camera breach, and a ânonsensicalâ decision - #574
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The shock suspension of a municipal building surveyorPolice called after hidden cameras found in a town hallThe half million dollar cost of democracy in LiverpoolDeath threats reported in the case against a Councillor and CEOA political stoush over safety and police numbers in Western SydneyAnother councillor resignation, this time from WAA vaccination program under scrutiny in TasmaniaAll of that and more just ahead on Australiaâs number one local government podcast.
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A mayor under scrutiny, the toll of abuse, and a âwooden spoonâ controversy - #573
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A local government minister in hot water over a throwaway commentMore councillor resignationsThe state government accused of rushing through planning changes in Melbourneâs bayside suburbsA Queensland Mayor under investigation over a CEO recruitment processThe personal toll on a Council CEO as budget cuts loomThe price tag on staff departures in Parramattaand new moves to protect council officers from abuseAnd the Roundup Flashback Machine takes us back to this week in 2022.
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Protests and petitions, and non-lethal nudging - #572
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Protests and a petition as Kiama Council considers budget cutsA former Council CEO loses a dispute over his exit packageA Council fight over workplace safety spills into public viewA council renaming proposal slammed as âchasing snob valueâA new lever to turn planning approvals into homes in HobartGreater Bendigoâs new councillor revealedA rural council mayor appointed to the board of the VLGAA court finds WALGA is subject to FOI lawsplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Sickening reference, industrial action and a 4 day week back on the agenda - #571
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Pressure mounts on a city mayor to resignA NSW council floats a plan for a four day work weekA mayorâs off mic moment becomes publicIndustrial action set to disrupt services across eight Melbourne councilsA council âs $10M legal bill successfully challenged in courtResidents set to protest a NSW councilâs planned budget cutsControversial changes to committee appointments on the Gold Coastand council meeting lunches get the chop in AucklandAll of that and more just ahead on Australiaâs number one local go...
Mayor under pressure, resignation news, and blurry councillors - #570
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Pressure builds on a newly elected mayor to step downA South Australian Council CEO resigns after one year in the jobHobart Cityâs new plan to tackle anti-social behaviourA resignation triggers a by-election for another Victorian councilVictorian councillors report growing pressures in their roleSydneyâs Lord Mayor issues a new housing challenge to the state governmentand the curious case of the blurry councillorsplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Court date, CEO reinstated, and an unsettling crime wave - #569
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Criminal proceedings against a CEO and Councillor hit court in BallaratTwo councillor resignations in one week at a Tasmanian CouncilThe Federal Court orders the reinstatement of a sacked Council CEO in the NTA new Deputy Mayor, and a new CEO announced, for Merri-Bek CouncilCouncils monitoring services as fuel prices continue to climbHigh level meetings to tackle rising crime in a rural NSW communityMore details of a CEO recruitment process leaked at Redland Counciland two new mayors elected in WAPlus the Roundup...
A stern rebuke, election fail, and a Solitaire scandal - #568
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The Palestinian flag is coming down in DarebinA leadership crisis at the City of Ryde stretches into a second weekLegal advice sought over a councillorâs claims at the City of PerthRepeated attempts to elect a deputy mayor at Merri-bek Council fail to deliver a resultA so called âplayground styleâ spat earns a stern rebuke for two Moonee Valley councillorsThe sector pays tribute to a former Mayor of Lismoreand a Councillor under fire for playing a computer game during a Council meetingPlus m...
Deadlock broken, rules tightened, and fuel concerns - #567
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Deadlock broken - Wyndham finally elects a new mayorControversial policy updates go through at Hobsons BayKingston Council moves ahead with plans to tighten Notice of Motion rulesThe death of a long-serving NSW councillorPeak bodies call for certainty on fuel supplies for the regionsClamping down on rogue drivers on beachesand we go inside the MAVâs new sector wide campaign ahead of the Victorian state electionPlus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
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Five Years of the Roundup, plus reforms, recommendations and reflections - #566
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The number of councillors to be cut in Tasmania, as the government unveils new sector reformsA man fined for throwing coffee at a Victorian Council CEOGeelong council under fire for considering the closure of leisure centre crechesA new report places councilâs insurance claims processes under the microscopeA Council cyber attack heads to court, but will the perpetrators face justice?A community gift turns into a legal investigation for a NSW CouncilCouncils unite to push for high speed railA new councillor for Cessnock, an...Mayoral deadlock, wild admissions, and a leadership crisis - #565
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A mayoral deadlock in WyndhamYarraâs mayor makes wild admissions while trying to get an assault charge droppedA leadership crisis at the City of Ryde, with three top executives sidelinedA deputy mayor facing conduct questions over a local health disputeA long serving NSW General Manager is stepping downMayors react to a backflip on a planned expansion for SBS in western SydneyEvacuations at a Queensland council after a threat to public buildingsand a WA council calls for a monitor to help with culture and go...By-election, harassment charges, and freight bottlenecks - ft.Steve Krieg #564
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A resignation triggers a by-election for Latrobe City CouncilAn inquest postponed over potential criminal charges against a former council employeeA first term Albury councillor preselected for the Liberals in FarrerA tense debate at Federation Council, as it votes to remove Indigenous flags from its chambersA woman charged over alleged threats against a Queensland councillorand an indoor arena is a step closer on the Gold Coast after a major announcement.Plus, Regional Cities NSW Chair, and Mayor of Lismore, Steve Krieg is here...
Artwork apology, rate cap shake up, and personal attacks condemned - ft. Diane Kalen-Sukra #563
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Council worker convicted of fraud appeals his jail sentenceAn apology to artists whose work was damaged in a Council chamberA council calls for a shake up to the rate cap system in VictoriaA new general manager for Dubbo Council means a vacancy in Alice SpringsA tourism push to recapture âthat Bondi feelingâA long serving WA councillor steps downand a NZ Council CEO speaks out after public debate turns personalAlso today, world leading civility campaigner Diane Kalen-Sukra with an update on p...
Criminal charges, council mergers, and a four day work week - #562
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A councillor and a CEO served with alleged criminal chargesNew CEOs appointed at Berrigan and Junee CouncilsA CEOâs performance review exposes divisions within a NSW councilNew land valuations raise concerns about potential rate rises in SE QueenslandCouncil mergers back on the table in Western Australia, along with calls for compulsory voting in local government electionsAnd a four day work week introduced by a major international cityplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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...Contract renewals, sector reforms, and a new arena - ft. Fabian Dattner, #561
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Councils react to new visitor fees for an international tourism iconCEO contract renewals in VictoriaHawkesbury Council speaking out after online activity involving two of its councillorsSutherland Shire considering on-street long term parking restrictionsA new consultation agreement between councils and the Tasmanian governmentLocal government reforms take effect in QueenslandGold Coast Council takes control of overseas travel approvals, and greenlights a new Olympic arenaA legal win for a sacked Council worker in South Australiaand dysfunction plays out publicly at South Perth council, in front of...More suspensions, landmark legal ruling, and CEO sacked - #560
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Two more Victorian councillors to be suspendedMayors speak out - Local distress over international conflict, and senseless violence on our streetsA council advised to plan the closure of a local aerodromeA landmark legal ruling on human rights goes against Moreton Bay councilA string of arson attacks rocks a local communityThe 4 day week might not be dead and buried in TasmaniaPlus a Council CEO sacked, and a warning issued over online abuseplus much more local government news from around Australia and beyond.<...
Industrial standoff, budget blackhole, and a paid beach parking plan - #559
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Predictions of a messy industrial standoff across eight Melbourne councilsA super merger of councils not favoured in Melbourneâs southeastA regional councilâs major budget blackholeA long serving Council CEO announces heâs stepping downA controversial plan to charge visitors for parking at Sydney beachesPressure to overhaul a CEO performance review process in QueenslandCouncillor resignations in NSW and Western AustraliaA Canadian mayor apologises for false claims about a colleagueplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond
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Ex mayor charged, brotherly leadership, and another monitor - ft. Stephen Yarwood #558
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
An ex suburban Melbourne mayor facing sexual assault charges - but his identity cannot be revealedThe election of a new deputy mayor at Greater Geelong delivers a brotherly leadership teamLiverpoolâs mayor at odds with the NSW Premier over the use of a council venueWaverley Council investigating after trees were vandalised by men claiming to be council workersCalls for Redland Councilâs CEO recruitment process to be independently investigatedRate capping shapes up as an election battleground in South AustraliaA councillor resigns, new Council CEO...Skills shortage, debate rejections, feral pigs and corellas - #557
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Concerns over council finances persist, as the Victorian governmentâs Big Build is blamed for a growing sector skills shortageA council closes the book on a misconduct investigationA call to rename wards with Indigenous names rejectedWollongong Council knocks back a debate on alleged police brutalityGold Coast Councilâs wage offer criticised for being too lowMayoral contenders emerging in TasmaniaA WA Council chief subject to investigation,A deputy shire president resigns, andin the UK, a four year planning dispute ends in disappointment for actor Mart...Merger smackdown, mayors for Parliament, and Australia Day differences - #556
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Inner Melbourne mayors float a potential merger, and get a smackdown from the PremierA metro Council wants to raise rates by 5 per cent, and a rural council sounds the alarm on a spiralling asset maintenance gapMornington Peninsulaâs mayor is running for state parliament;While a former Albury mayor considers a run at federal parliamentSydney overturns controversial new busking rulesEyebrows raised at a Queensland councilâs spend on overseas travelA controversial parking fine system under review in AdelaideA WA council takes back its appr...