Local Government News Roundup
Australia’s no.1 podcast for local government news and views, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
"Unduly elected" says VCAT
On the Roundup today:
VCAT rules on the validity of the 2020 Moreland Council election of Milad El-Hilabi;
The Horsham Municipal Monitor’s report released;
A Sydney councillor resigns over lack of parental leave entitlements;
A new CEO announced for the City of Parramatta;
And the mayor and CEO relationship that has broken down to the point where they will no longer meet one-on-one.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for ju...
A parting of the ways in Derwent Valley
On the Roundup today:
An updated scorecard on governance issues at West Wimmera Shire;
A new councillor elected at Mornington Peninsula Shire;
General Manager movements from Tasmania and New South Wales;
An innovative circular economy project at the City of Casey explained;
Local government reforms pass a major milestone in Western Australia;
New councillors announced for Brisbane City Council;
and much more local government news.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes...
"Appalling prejudice - no place in our community, state or country"
On today's Local Government News Roundup:
A council calls on the state government to strengthen anti-discrimination laws, after disturbing weekend events;
Strathbogie Shire Council says it will no longer deliver school crossing supervision;
The WA council called on to sort out its ongoing governance issues or face intervention;
Some SA councils accused of failing to do enough planning work, while others are commended; and
A rural council’s plan to solve a wicked recycling problem and create jobs at the same time.
Support th...
"While civility is encouraged, it cannot be required"
On the Local Government News Roundup today, Moira Shire’s new administrator starts work; a cyber security incident at a southwest Victorian council; big plans announced for the South Melbourne Town Hall; the MAV’s CEO moves on; a tragic incident claims the life of a council worker in Queensland; a US Court rules to protect the right to be rude in public meetings; and Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price on an Australian first in Victoria’s northeast.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of epi...
Council Conversations, March 2023

On the first edition of Council Conversations from the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy is joined by:
"Women pay a premium to be part of democracy"
On the Local Government News Roundup today, a call for a new standalone shire in northern Victorian gathers momentum; the KnowYourCouncil website is gone, and some people aren’t happy about it; the growing shortage of municipal building surveyors confirmed by new survey data; it’s big week for Council CEO news - I’ll have the details; a call to relieve Queensland Councils from being “judge and jury”over their peers; plus - councillors call for an end to the requirement to report councillor childcare expenses.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes a...
"Complete vindication; administrators coming and CEOs going"
On the Roundup today, Moira Shire’s interim administrator announced, and three administrators appointed to Coober Pedy Council in South Australia; two long term CEOs announce they are stepping down; Melbourne Councils in the news; preliminary electoral representation reports released; and a twist in a long running CEO’s unfair dismissal case.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Asso...
The sector reacts to a council's dismissal, plus are Council prayers illegal?
On the Local Government News Roundup today, the sector reacts to the dismissal of Moira Shire Council; a legal threat to the practice of prayers at council meeting; a councillor condemned for offensive social media posts; and a new cost model applied to a financial advice scheme for South Australian councils.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Lo...
"Increasingly unstable; fundamentally unsafe" - Moira Shire Council dismissed
A special edition of the Local Government News Roundup, looking at the release of a Commission of Inquiry report into Moira Shire Council, which has led to moves by the Local Government Minister to have the council dismissed.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government.
Links for stories...
"Distasteful, disrespectful and absolutely abhorrent"
Today on the Local Government News Roundup,
the new MAV board announced;
support for Wodonga’s campaign for a greenfield hospital;
the strong recovery of CBD worker activity continues;
the council advocating for stronger controls on e-cigarettes;
a Queensland councillor under scrutiny for offensive social media activity;
the NSW election candidate who wants to remain mayor even if elected to state parliament;
a new councillor conduct framework with tougher penalties flagged in NSW;
and much more local government news.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full b...
Councils take-off to Avalon, and a call for tougher penalties on councillor behaviour
On the Local Government News Roundup today, Councils take off to the Avalon International Air Show; councillor conduct under review at a number of Victorian councils, while a peak body calls for tougher penalties; concerns about Geelong’s capacity to meet its Commonwealth Games funding needs; ICAC to investigate allegations of corruption by a former council worker and others; and a move to deal with nepotism and cronyism in Tasmanian local government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click he...
A joint advocacy rebuff, a gallery delayed, and a former mayor sentenced
On the Local Government News Roundup today, Victorian councils call for tough reforms on problem gambling; a Geelong councillor wants to see more leadership on mass public transport options for the city; Albury rebuffs a call from Wodonga for joint hospital advocacy; further delays for Dandenong’s planned art gallery development; a former mayor sentenced for cultivating cannabis - plus much more news from around the world of local government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to sub...
A Christian crusade, a last minute reprieve, and the search for a missing councillor
On the Roundup today, a hearing into alleged voter fraud wraps up; the auditor general finds an increase in errors in council financial reports; a former councillors’ emails reveal at Christian crusade; the curious case of the missing councillor; a reprieve for ousted South Australian councillors; a council workplace on notice over councillor behaviour; and much more.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to...
Council land deals, and a call for joint council advocacy for a new hospital
Today on the Local Government News Roundup, Wodonga looks to its neighbour to support its push for a new hospital; council land deals in the news; the fight against illegal dumping steps up in Greater Geelong; Melbourne’s plan to be a world leading student city; senior executive appointment news; and much more news from around the world of local government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is...
Serious misconduct finding, soft corruption claims and a housing success
On the latest edition of the Local Government News Roundup, a former mayor suspended for two months over a serious misconduct finding; claims of nepotism pointed at Greater Geelong council; a housing success story from the southwest of Victoria; a tick of approval from the inspectorate for a rural council; a successful land auction for a Qld council; and much more news from around the world of local government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe...
Roundup Extra: Moyne Shire Key Worker Housing Success
Chris Eddy speaks with Moyne Shire CEO Brett Davis about the success of the council's key worker accommodation initiative, and how the council is approached the broader issue of housing availability.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government.
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found i...
Dinosaurs, clowns and everything in between
Today on the Local Government News Roundup, the fallout continues from South Australia’s campaign donation return debacle; digging for dinosaurs in Gippsland; a CEO takes personal leave while another resigns; a $5B call for emergency road funding; and a clown applies for a CEO’s job.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all t...
Nearly 50 councillors to lose their positions over failure to submit gift disclosures
Today on the Roundup, nearly 50 councillors set to lose office for failing to submit gift disclosure returns; Victoria’s Local Government Inspectorate completes over 200 investigations in one year; Greater Shepparton finally elects a deputy mayor, and council media activities during election campaigns in the spotlight in Queensland.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, th...
Geelong monitors named; and councillors seek an end to Council prayers
Today on the Roundup, Geelong’s municipal monitors named; a coalition of councillors seeks an end to prayers at Council meetings; a new gig for a former metro council CEO; a call for a limit on mayoral terms in Tasmania; a former council CEO loses an unfair dismissal case; and much more from around the world of local government here on the Roundup.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
"Misleading and disturbing information" - protests and fiery council meetings
Today on the Local Government News Roundup, a council meeting closed and police called to an unruly public gallery; a mayor calls for more councils to support the Voice to Parliament; tributes for Australia’s longest serving female councillor; the timeline for a council demerger announced; a council's smart cities plan prompts protests and a police warning; CEO appointment news, a countback result; and much more from around the world of local government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a sub...
A councillor suspended, and a NSW mayor announces a run at State Parliament.
On this episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Australia's number one local government podcast, a statewide shortage of school crossing supervisors makes news; a Tasmanian councillor suspended for three months; a ban on single-use plastics takes effect this week - how can Councils ensure they are prepared?; a high profile Sydney mayor announces a run at State Parliament; and much more from around the world of local government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here...
Monitors to oversee hiring of new Greater Geelong CEO
On the latest summer update from the Roundup:
Two monitors to be appointed to oversee Greater Geelong's CEO hiring process;
Corangamite Shire appoints an interim CEO;
Another countback for Colac Otway Shire due to a councillor resignation;
a former Council CEO posthumously awarded an Order of Australia Medal;
and more of this week's local government happenings from around the country.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The L...
A mayor ordered to apologise, plus countback results and a final monitor's report
On the latest summer update from the Local Government News Roundup:
The final monitor's report for South Gippsland Shire Council;
A rural mayor ordered to apologise after "highly personal" comments;
Disappointment at the withdrawal of over $100M in local roads funding;
The VLGA says cancelling councils is "not a thing to wish for";
plus countback results, a mosquito warning and more.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
T...
Legal challenge to validity of local government GST payments
On the latest summer update from the Local Government News Roundup:
Electoral structure reviews to commence for 12 Victorian councils;
A high court challenge to the validity of GST payments imposed on councils;
General manager and councillor resignations, and a chief executive appointed;
and more of the latest council news briefs.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian...
Election news, countbacks, and a call for local sports gambling ad ban
On a new summer update from the Roundup, the latest local government news briefs including:
Results from three Council countbacks; a mayor steps aside to run for State Parliament; a call for more councils to ban gambling advertising at local sports matches; the acting CEO taking his own council to VCAT; a call for protected speech laws for councillors; a CEO resignation and more.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
...
Is cancel culture coming for Councils?
On the latest summer update from the Local Government News Roundup:
A poll calling for the abolition of councils draws swift response from the sector;
A mayor cleared by independent investigation review;
The Council set to put limits on 'unrelenting' difficult customer; and more of the latest news briefs from Australia's no.1 podcast for local government news and views.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local...
Cladding removal, flood damage, and a safer place for wombats
On the latest summer update from the Local Government News Roundup:
Work begins to replace dangerous cladding on a Council owned building;
Flood damage to Gannawarra's assets estimated at $50M;
LGNSW takes a stand against new government planning proposals;
A council to develop a policy on fur and leather on Council property;
The Hills Shire responses to impropriety inquiry;
Safer wombat crossings made permanent in Cooma; and much more.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber...
🔒 Sky rail for Melbourne's west, flood funding latest, and a councillor resignation
Subscriber-only episode
The latest from the Local Government News Roundup, including reaction to sky rail plans for Melbourne's west; flood funding for councils across two states; a Brisbane councillor announces her departure; a mayor calls for a dog ban; and staff threatened in a menacing hoax.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the...
🔒 Vic Council rate cap set for next year
Subscriber-only episode
Breaking news update from the Local Government News Roundup:
Victorian Council rate cap for next year announced;
Northern Grampians Shire Council appoints new CEO;
New GM announced for Lismore City Council;
plus a mayor takes a leave of absence, a senior exec leaving Greater Geelong City Council, and more.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you...
🔒 A legal challenge, councillors resign, and a CEO appointed
Subscriber-only episode
Roundup News Briefs - 22nd December 2022
A roundup of local government stories making news this week, including an appeal against a VCAT ruling; two more Victorian councillors have resigned; Gannawarra Shire appoints its new CEO; and major asset sales announced in Geelong and Hepburn.
Find out more at www.lgnewsroundup.com
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup...
🔒 "A pragmatic update" to the citizenship ceremonies code
Subscriber-only episode
On the first summer update from the Roundup, the sector reacts to a change in the citizenship ceremonies code;
New CEOs announced for Glenelg and Whitsunday;
Critics call for an investigation into the appointment of Liverpool’s new CEO;
The Canterbury Bankstown inquiry into allegations of impropriety delayed;
And a Commissioner appointed to a troubled WA council.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Lo...
🔒 A long term Council CEO on the move
Subscriber-only episode
On the podcast today, a long term Council CEO is on the move; a former councillor returns to Moira Shire Council; Port Phillip calls for an end to pop-up bike lane trials; a review of the councillor misconduct framework released in NSW; Sunshine Coast’s new $98M city hall opens for business; and LA’s new mayor declares a homelessness crisis on her first day in office.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per...
🔒 A serious misconduct finding against a councillor overturned
Subscriber-only episode
On the Roundup today, a serious misconduct finding against a councillor overturned at VCAT; the latest CEO appointments and a mayoral election result; two Victorian councils dealing with rescission motions; the mayor calling for a major shake-up of the local government sector; a sacked CEO has success in court; residents express a loss of confidence in councillors at a WA council; and a European city to actively discourage British tourists.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the f...
🔒 Countbacks, a resignation and a dropped investigation
Subscriber-only episode
Today on the Local Government News Roundup, an investigation into the actions of a former councillor dropped; the new Victorian cabinet announced; countback election results from Victoria and NSW; a councillor resigns after being reported to the government, she says unfairly; a NSW mayor the latest preselected to run for State Parliament; and controverisal new powers given to Brisbane’s CEO to edit transcripts of Council meetings.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per...
🔒 NSW Government called on to stop bullying councils
Subscriber-only episode
Today on the Roundup, we’re getting close to knowing how many councillors have been elected to State Parliament; two more mayoral election results; Council CEOs in the news; Councils struggling to keep up with open space maintenance; Adelaide’s new Lord Mayor collapses at a Christmas function; and the NSW Government called on to stop bullying councils.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
...
🔒 A council's drastic plan to address financial sustainability
Subscriber-only episode
Today, updates on how councillors are faring in counting for the Victorian upper house; new mayoral election results, and a long term mayor flags his departure; former Logan CEO Sharon Kelsey wins the right to appeal costs awarded against her; an inquiry into integrity at a Sydney Council; and a drastic plan to address financial sustainability in Queanbeyan-Palerang.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
...
🔒 Councillors elected to State Parliament
Subscriber-only episode
Today on the Roundup, current and former councillors elected to Victorian State Parliament; the latest Victorian mayoral election results; an advisor appointed to a Queensland council; Busselton appoints a new CEO; and the first local government ministers forum held under the new federal government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance...
🔒 Councils in court, and a 'bizarre' by-election
Subscriber-only episode
Today on the Roundup, two Victorian councils taken to court; more mayoral election results; a NSW councillor’s position under a cloud after an assault conviction; a new councillor behavioural panel takes effect in South Australia; and the requirement for a by-election in WA described as bizarre.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, th...
🔒 "A task beyond the reasonable scope of any local government authority"
Subscriber-only episode
Today on the Local Government News Roundup, the latest mayoral election results from around Victoria; a likely challenge to the Adelaide Lord Mayor election result; the sudden passing of a Council General Manager; Tasmanian council election results hailed for an outstanding gender balance outcome; and much more news from around the world of local government.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government...
🔒 "If local government were the Wild West"
Subscriber-only episode
Today, a councillor suspended for two weeks for misconduct; the latest mayoral elections results from Victoria and election updates out of South Australia; compulsory voting leads to a huge increase in voter turnout in Tasmania.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for just $5 per month. Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government.
Links for...