Local Government News Roundup
Australia’s 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.
“Bureaucratic nightmare” - disaster funding, earthquakes and a dead whale
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Councillor numbers to be slashed under a new Tasmanian Government proposal for local governmentVictorian councils concerned about disaster funding delays, while NSW councils deal with earthquakes and a dead whalePort Phillip steps up advocacy on extended Grand Prix timelinesA reprimand for Townsville’s suspended mayorA deputy mayor found in breach of conflict of interest rulesA Council CEO resigns,and a WA Council’s future hangs in the balanceTo ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or loca...
“Clearly oppressive” - Slug Gate case dismissed, urgent briefing, facilities closed
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Case dismissed - the latest twist in the Greater Dandenong Slug Gate sagaUrgent briefing for Yarra Council on a VCAT e-scooter challengeA life or death decision looming for kangaroos and wallabies at Mornington Peninsula ShireCouncil financial management concerns laid bare in a new Auditor General reportPet ownership limits spark backlash for a NSW councilVandalism and asbestos dumping lead to council facility closuresTownsville’s suspended mayor found in breach of the code of conductand the WA premier flags more local government election reforms ahead...
"Blindsided" - high density surprise, suspension push, and clickbait and chaos
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Plans for new high density precincts unveiled in MelbourneLiverpool Councillors move to have the city’s CEO suspendedA mayor distances her council from expected job lossesFrom Gore to Walcha - a trans-Tasman leadership transitionThe spectre of Operation Sandon hanging over Casey City CouncilA budget blow for the City of Nedlandsand claims of clickbait and chaos at a Reform UK led councilTo ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location, the VLGA is offering a...
Landslide inquiry report, a nonsensical decision, and AI manipulation
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The McCrae Landslide Board of Inquiry report has been submitted to government - what are the likely implications for the local government sector?Moorabool continues to challenge the EPA over transparency concernsCEO level appointments in Victoria and NSW, and a contract extension in QueenslandA controversial shark net trial up in the air in NSW, but the affected councils want it to proceedIndustrial action looms for another Queensland councilNominations are in for WA council electionsand the UK has a new local government minister...
A mayor’s health battle, a new Lord Mayor, and a bygone prayer
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Two big city Mayors call for the reinstatement of a missing transport linkAn acting mayor appointed as a country mayor deals with health challengesAnother council drops a Christian prayer from its meetingsA bitter housing dispute between a council and the state government in Sydney’s eastCessnock the latest council to explore a special rate variationA Council CEO’s interstate travel under scrutinyA new Lord Mayor for Darwinand arrests over an alleged housing fraud at a London councilPlus more local government news from...
“Hateful narratives”: a world first strategy, and toxic culture rejected
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Charges laid after seven years of Operation SandonMayors facing down discrimination and hateful narrativesA world first anti-semitism strategy launchedShoalhaven Council rejects claims of a toxic cultureA council under pressure to change its community visionA general manager appointment, and another councillor resignationNZ Police accused of inaction over online death threats against councillors, andThe growing resistance movement against data centres across the USplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements...
“Beyond disgraceful”: councils taking a stand
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Taking a stand against abuse towards frontline council workers and elected representativesCouncils push back on electricity reforms, lifeguard funding and planning call-insRural NSW councils look to the future after devastating economic blowsA council’s planned tribute to rock band AC/DCStriking staff to be locked out from today in Townsvilleand commissioners appointed and the remaining councillors removed from the troubled Town of Port Hedland Councilplus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond
To ensure all councils ca...
Sweeping meeting changes, a censure overturned, and an un-resignation
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Another council raises concerns about a surprise renewable energy zone proposalAn urgent call for animal foster carers in GippslandSweeping changes announced for council meetings in NSWA censured Parramatta councillor’s court winA Council GM un-resigns and gets a new five year dealCouncils rejectingphone tower proposalsThe toll mounts from a stubborn algal bloom in South Australiaand the city looking to limit resident’s smartphone usePlus more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond
To ensure all councils can comp...
Dog attack alarm, funding wins, and more industrial action
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Alarm over a disturbing increase in dog attacks in East GippslandThe growth of data centres raises water concerns in HumeAn admission that a controversial roundabout should never have been builtFunding wins for five regional NSW CouncilsCompensation calls for sacked Ipswich councillors rejectedIndustrial action launched against a Tasmanian councilA long serving South Australian council CEO to step downA Port Hedland councillor pushing back against government interventionAnd jail for UK worker convicted of fraud against multiple councilsPlus more local government news from across...
Council shutdown, charged Mayor stands aside, and intervention for two councils
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Alpine Shire Council shuts down as a police manhunt continuesA metro mayor facing charges stands asideMany Melbourne councils predicted to fall short of government housing targetsSydney councils at odds with the state government over planning proposalsGovernment intervention looms for two WA councilsCEO appointments and resignations in Victoria and New South WalesConcerns over leaked details of a CEO’s employment conditionsCounting continues in key NT mayoral racesand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils ca...
Kingston monitors, tight mayoral contests, and a 'gut-wrenching' attack
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Monitors announced for KingstonMoorabool’s toxic waste fight with the EPA continuesA waste-to-energy surprise in HumeA former mayor attempts a by-election comebackA NSW councillor fails to block a second suspensionNT mayoral election counts on a knife-edgeSurprising recommendations for a boundary change in SAand trio of Tasmanian councillors hit back at hurtful online claimsplus more of the latest news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no ma...
Levy discontent, demerger referendum, and a major restructure
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Levy discontent grows as rates notices go outA council’s major restructure plan announcedCasey Council backtracks on controversial local lawsAnother potential NSW council demerger moves a step closerSweeping reforms announced for council elections in South AustraliaAn historic appointment for Western Australian local governmentplus executive appointments, resignations and election results from across the countryplus more of the latest news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no ma...
Overwhelmed and Overworked: Addressing Burnout in Councils
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In this episode, we dive into the pressing issue of burnout and overwhelm within local government.
Join us as we explore insights from Zoe Dattner, CEO of the Dattner Group, who shares stories and findings from a recent event focused on the relentless drive to do more with less.
Discover the risks of this growing pressure, the impact on strategic goals, and practical tools like the "three lens filter" to help navigate these challenges.
Find out how local government leaders are addressing these issues and fostering a...
Well Travelled Executive Series #12 - Michael Tudball
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Another insightful episode in the Well Travelled Executive Series, featuring Michael Tudball, a seasoned leader in local government.
From his beginnings in audit and risk to becoming a council CEO, Michael shares his unique journey through various councils across Victoria.
Discover his experiences as a mayor, his passion for community development, and his strategic roles in economic growth and infrastructure.
Michael's story is a testament to dedication and leadership in shaping vibrant communities, and one of challenges and triumphs in the public sector.
To ensure...
Reprogramming Local Government (Generative AI in Action)
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In this special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy explores how generative AI is beginning to transform councils in Victoria.Â
This episode features real-world stories of councils trialling AI chatbots, document search tools, and AI agents, as well as bold discussions about what might come next – from robot building inspectors to AI-supported service delivery.
Guests include James Plozza from Warrnambool City Council, Broderick McIntyre from Greater Bendigo Council, Justine Resta from ALGIM Australia, Fergal Coleman and Sarah Jayne Webb from Symphony3, and consultant Lisa Bennetto. Together, the...
Well Travelled Executive Series #11 - Rebecca McKenzie
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In this episode of the Well Traveled Executive Series, Chris Eddy sits down with Rebecca McKenzie, the outgoing CEO of Glen Eira City Council, to explore her public service journey from the UK to Australia.
Rebecca shares her insights on the evolving landscape of leadership, the importance of diversity in governance, and the highlights and challenges of her career to date.
Discover how her HR background shaped her approach to leadership and why fostering diversity is crucial for thriving communities.
An inspiring conversation about the future of...
Final warning, inquiry revelations, and a formal caution
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A final warning over a controversial sea wall in FrankstonTwo rural councils challenge the Victorian Government over drought funding inequitiesMaribyrnong Council the latest to consider funding private security measuresMore revelations from the Liverpool Council public inquiryThe cost to ratepayers of a failed council merger revealedA major sporting infrastructure setback in RedlandA formal caution for a Tasmanian councillorFresh voter fraud concerns in Adelaideplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory...
Misconduct allegation dismissed, formal frustration, and demerger optimism
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On your Monday morning edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A mayor’s misconduct complaint against a councillor dismissedWhitehorse council’s multi-million dollar fight with SRLBuloke formalises its frustration with the state governmentA wave of demerger optimism in NSWRising Tide stands firm on protest plans in NewcastleSunshine Coast Council bypassed over festival developmentA Council’s large rate increase prompts a call for legislative changeAnd a Tasmanian mayor facing a no-confidence motionplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandat...
Dangerous precedent, Council raided, and demerger approved
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Moorabool Shire faces a $1/2M clean up bill after a loss at VCATA council and union meet to discuss workplace culture concernsA sacked street sweeper wins compensation, and is now considering a tilt at federal politicsA dramatic raid on a Sydney councilThe green light for a demerger of Cootamundra-Gundagai CouncilA marathon Council meeting fails to come to a decision on mayoral misconduct allegationsand the heavy toll of vandalism on councils in northern Tasmaniaplus more local government news from around Australia and...
Agency underfunded, dangerous dogs, and a shock resignation
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Claims of underfunding from another Victorian integrity agencyA council’s call for stronger powers to act on dangerous dogsA councillor demanding a public apology from her councilLiverpool’s public inquiry gets underwayA NSW mayor calls out keyboard warriorsA shock resignation from a Qld Council CEOControversial new Council by-laws under attack in South Australiaand a local government member association CEO is moving onPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requ...
Toothless tiger, un-Australian planning rules, and suspension upheld
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Serious concerns raised about the effectiveness of Victoria’s local government inspectorateCouncillors brand planning changes “un-Australian”A Councillor fails in a bid to overturn a three month suspensionFurther delays in a Council’s General Manager appointment processA QLD mayor cleared again of conduct breach allegationsA controversial Council website to be overhauleda WA council sounds the alarm on coastal erosionNedlands awaits the appointment of commissionersAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
To ensure all...
$1.5B cost-shift, costly legal disputes, and amalgamation debate reignites
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Moorabool puts its case to VCAT over an EPA clean up orderA fight to stop a proposed new McDonald’s restaurant in DarebinThe Victorian Government denies a council’s kangaroo harvesting requestA new report puts a number on government cost-shiftingA tragedy in Townsville involving a council waste truckThe cost of councillor conduct legal disputes revealed in Adelaideand the council amalgamation debate reignites in Western AustraliaPlus Ballarat Deputy Mayor Cr Ben Taylor reveals the council's approach to collecting an unpopular state government tax...
Punching down, a suspension, and an imminent dissolution
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Turmoil in Perth as a councillor exodus triggers a council’s dismissalA council challenges the EPA at VCATA suspension for a veteran Merri-bek councillorA mayor’s anger over anti-semitic attacks in MelbourneCEO resignations and appointments, and a failed recruitmentA mayor’s relief as a high profile murder trial concludesA Queensland council’s 25 per cent rate increaseand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location, the VLGA...
Hateful attacks condemned, toxic claims rejected, and a dramatic skyline change
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Hateful attacks condemnedClaims of a toxic council workforce rejectedReaction to new drought support measuresA disappointing state government funding cutAn innovative road reconstruction project failsA dramatic change coming to Sydney’s skylineAnother NSW Council CEO resignationA former Queensland mayor plans a comebackand Perth councils put on notice by the governmentPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location, the VLGA is offering a...
Closing the loophole, poor communication, and shocking mismanagement
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
An appeal to the Governor over the ESVF levyA council’s planned exit from maternal and child health servicesA grant loophole closes on the Mornington PeninsulaViolent incidents shut down a Council libraryA mayor’s war on visual pollutionA council’s warning for pet owners after three dog deathsTwo high profile mayors announce future plansShocking mismanagement of a WA council revealedAnd council tax arrears in Britain reach a staggering new highAlso today, Derek Madden, CEO of Moorabool Shire Council joins Chris...
Intervention granted, a dysfunctional culture laid bare, and a tax-fighting bin chicken
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A win for a metro mayor in courtA councillor resignation to trigger another by-electionA culture of distrust and fear laid bare at Hobsons BayAll systems go in Frankston for a new friendship agreement Resignations from two NSW council chiefsA groundbreaking report for the future of flood management in NSWA bin chicken enlisted to fight Queensland’s unpopular bin taxCalls for a controversial Tasmanian councillor to resignPlus pigeon eradication, a councillor pay rise, and resignation leaves an 18 year old in charge of a council.Als...Funding disadvantage, a damn disgrace, and a problematic proposition
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The Victorian Government accused of holding back crucial infrastructure fundingA surprise bank branch closure angers a rural councilA council introduces body worn cameras for council officersInnovative council waste management and animal control initiativesThe massive investment from councils in tackling climate change- and a call for more government assistanceSydney Council enters a controversial stadium debateA popular NYE fireworks show under threatAnd a council merger under consideration in Western AustraliaPlus MAV Chief Innovator in Residence, Bonnie Shaw, talks to Chris about the exciting...
Unfair dismissal, private security furore, and historic council budgets
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A council worker wins an unfair dismissal caseA hard-fought win for Techno Park residents in Hobsons BayA controversial funding decision in WyndhamThe fields are set for two by-electionsA regional council’s zero per cent rate increaseHistoric $1B plus budgets for two Queensland councilsA Tasmanian mayor describes the personal toll after a five year campaign against his councilA WA Council to put its CEO position to marketAnd major structural changes flagged for councils in the UKAll of that and more just ahead on...
Dysfunctional budget debacle, mayoral challenge, and a rate cap warning
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A suspended councillor’s legal troubles resolvedA mayor’s budget challenge to the rest of the countryAn apology called for after a councillor was wrongfully accused of theftThe shock passing of two sector leaders in NSWSydney Council takes aim at gas appliances, and the unsightly proliferation of rubbish binsA Queensland council’s dysfunctional budget debacleNew general manager appointmentsAustralia used as a cautionary tale against rate capping in New ZealandAlso today, a new resource for councils to help meet the rapidly growing demand...
Procedural vandalism, toxic dysfunction, and a costly decision
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The Victorian Government releases its response to an inquiry into local government fundingTwo new members elected to the VLGA boardAbove average satisfaction for two western Victorian councilsAn acting mayor accuses colleagues of procedural vandalismA pay dispute in Townsville gets nastyA councillor’s call for complainants to pay costs of unsuccessful actionsand a report exposes a dysfunctional and psychologically unsafe councilPlus Chris speaks with Clinton Jury from LGA South Australia, after his surprise announcement last week that he’s moving on from the...
Liquor licence loss, democracy returns, and a “toxic” debate
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Another council introduces security measures for its meetingsConcerns as councils are set to lose a say in liquor licence decisionsBallarat Council hit with an EPA fineA council returning to elected representation after more than a decadeA NSW Council General Manager resignsThe cost of a tropical cyclone for one Queensland councilA councillor ordered to apologise for “toxic” commentsand warnings for the autonomy of local government in New Zealandand more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To e...
Multi-million dollar mistake, job cuts clash, and election bill shock
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Councils consider legal options over an unpopular state taxA multi-million dollar parking fine error at Merri-bek CouncilThe latest Victorian Council CEO to call it quitsGolden Plains finally gets its last councillorA mayor and union clash over planned job cutsA controversial policy voted down on a Mayor’s casting voteTownsville workers vote to go on strike, andAdelaide Council and the State Government at odds over a controversial golf course planplus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.To ensure all co...
Election rejected, concerning loophole, and a trivial complaint crackdown
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
More drama at Golden Plains as a countback winner rejects a spot on the CouncilHigher rates flagged for owners of derelict Melbourne propertiesA building surveyor loophole raises concernsA crackdown on trivial councillor conduct complaints in NSWCouncils make big moves on beach and pool safetyA SA council calls for state help as it forecasts massive debt to accommodate growthAnd anger in Edinburgh ahead of the Oasis reunion concertsplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all...
Bargaining tension, CEO movements, and a councillor reprimanded
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Contention over a push for multi-council enterprise agreementsThe ESC releases its annual rate capping reportA new CEO announced, and support for another dealing with personal attacksWins and disappointments for NSW councilsA Council General Manager announces retirementA council pay dispute resolved in Queenslandand a councillor suspended after a budget debate becomes heatedAll of that and more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size...
Honours, awards, resignations and interventions
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A metro council exploring legal options to challenge the state’s ESV levyA controversial mayor returns to workVictorian councils recognised for excellenceLocal government contributors make the King’s Birthday Honours listA former mayor and a current mayor announce surprise resignationsStaff cutbacks proposed at Gold Coast, while the Sunshine Coast delays its budget due to internal reporting concernsand a WA council accused of belligerence as the state government steps inplus more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Result stands, flag furore, and a nauseating attack
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Result stands - VCAT rules on fraudulent votes in the city of KnoxA flag furore at a Victorian councilA council rejects a peer-reviewed flood studyRetirement announced for Council CEOs in two statesAn advocacy win for NSW councils on fire service assetsA Queensland mayor under investigationA costly by-election set for Mackay Counciland e-scooters suspended after a pedestrian death in Perthand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no...
Project pushback, alliance pullback, and a cheeky council campaign
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A new operating model for G21 as councils withdraw fundingAn Acting CEO becomes interim as a Council recruitment moves aheadCouncils pushing back on housing and infrastructure projectsA NSW Council’s CEO appointment moves to final stepsA new guideline released on free speech in local governmentA cheeky campaign to bring a major retailer to a rural shire, andA mayor survives a leadership challengeChris is joined today by Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens to talk about the push to get a major retailer ba...
Abhorrent levy, dismissal warning, and CEOs and councils part ways
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A levy pause for farmers and more drought assistance announced - but some councils say it's not enoughThe WA council on notice for potential dismissalTwo Queensland councils sever ties with their CEOsThe massive flood cleanup under way in NSWA council’s controversial decision on burial fees for stillborn childrenA new leader on the Regional Movers Index, as more people give up capital cities for regional Australiaand much more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
To ensure all co...
A monitor for Hobsons Bay, Council-Government clashes, plus CEO appointments and councillor resignations
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A municipal monitor sent in to Hobsons BayCEO appointments in three states, as two former Council CEOs make a return in VictoriaGreater Geelong to stay in aged care service deliveryHigh profile councillors resign in New South Wales and QueenslandA South Australian council rocked by three Councillor resignationsHobart Council headed for a stadium conflict with the Tasmanian Governmentand a war of words between the NZ Prime Minister and capital city mayorand Chris is joined by newly appointed Central Goldfields CEO Peter Harriott...
Aged care pressure, wage talks impasse, and targeting online abuse
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Pressure on Greater Geelong council to remain in aged care servicesA last minute reprieve for a Stonnington animal shelter operatorCouncillors call for action on online abuse and misinformationSnowy Monaro’s new CEO announcedAn impasse in wage negotiations in NoosaA mayor’s demands for an overhaul of the council complaints systemand maximum pay limits reduced for Council CEOs in South AustraliaPlus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no m...
