A federal inquiry examines the worsening financial state of Australian local governments, with Hunter councils highlighting unsustainable costs from climate change, tourism, and state mandates. Will it lead to real change?
New AI traffic cameras in Canberra issued $3.1 million in seatbelt fines in just 36 days. Hundreds of drivers dispute the penalties, claiming the technology is flawed. Read the full story.
Less than 5% of Cessnock households responded to a survey on a proposed 39.9% rate increase, with 82% opposed. Council faces a crucial vote amid claims of survey bias and cost-of-living concerns. Read the full story.
Newcastle ratepayers demand answers as council CEO's $608k package exceeds the Premier's pay. Former councillor reveals how Hunter coal mines triggered a 'relativity' salary spiral across local government.
Lake Macquarie City Council reveals a draft $80 million capital works plan for 2026-27, with over half earmarked for its fire-damaged Speers Point administration building. Discover the community projects set to benefit.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
The owners of Geelong's Market Square are locked in a Supreme Court fight over their mother's multimillion-dollar estate. Discover the family dispute details.
Cairns tourism leader Mark Olsen transformed a pilot strike crisis into a $1.5 million economic win. Discover how resilience and innovation saved the region's key events.
A Melbourne mother undergoing urgent chemotherapy fights Airbnb for a refund after her diagnosis forced her to cancel a family holiday. Discover the policy loophole leaving her thousands out of pocket.
A Port Stephens canoe club's missing trailer, thought stolen for scrap, was discovered impounded by council rangers. Read how a mix-up over registration led to the costly confusion.
Townsville businessman Troy Thompson has suffered another legal defeat in his long-running dispute with the Townsville City Council over a CBD property. Read the full details of the court's decision.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
Newcastle councillors are urging the NSW government to fund a major upgrade of public toilets, citing high costs and the need for accessibility. A state inquiry backed their call.
Newcastle councillors have deferred a major plan to revitalise Civic Park and surrounds, citing a $70 million price tag and more pressing community priorities like safer streets and drainage.
Code of conduct complaints at Newcastle City Council have doubled in two years, costing ratepayers over $62,000. Nine complaints were lodged, with four still pending. Read the full report.
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
Townsville City Council is recruiting 30 new staff in a major 'back to basics' drive to improve core services like parks, roads, and waste. Mayor Troy Thompson leads the overhaul.
Skydive Australia instructors in Wollongong have walked off the job over a bitter pay dispute, grounding holiday plans. The union warns of massive pay cuts under a new 'piece rate' deal.
Cottesloe councillor Katy Mason has resigned and is moving to Nedlands. She is considering running in the upcoming Nedlands council election. Read the full story.
Townsville University Hospital staff could lose up to a quarter of their wages in a bitter contract dispute. Unions warn of a devastating blow to workers and regional healthcare.
A Melbourne teacher allegedly stabbed his principal after being told his contract would not be renewed. The 37-year-old faces multiple charges following the violent altercation at Keysborough Secondary College.
The WACA's CEO has formally requested a 10-year exemption from council rates, worth an estimated $2.5 million, to aid the historic ground's financial future. Read the full story.
ACT Police are searching for six teenagers after a staff member at a Tuggeranong nail salon sustained serious facial injuries in an alleged dispute over unpaid services. Images of two girls have been released.
Virginia Giuffre's mother and sister battle over compensation from Jeffrey Epstein's victims fund as legal dispute reaches Western Australia's Supreme Court.
The multi-million dollar estate of Jeffrey Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre faces legal challenges in WA Supreme Court. Her sons, ex-husband and brothers contest the inheritance.
Recent council decisions show common sense in short supply as official petitions get sidelined. Discover how local governance is being undermined across Australia.
Fortescue Metals Group withdraws Federal Court lawsuit against former executive's green energy company. Discover the details behind this legal reversal.
Hundreds of Townsville teachers join state-wide strike over stalled pay talks. Education Minister dismisses action as union demands government negotiation.
Audit reveals Douglas Shire Council paid former employee triple their wage as contractor. Investigation uncovers serious procurement breaches and governance failures.
Joondalup residents face potential service cuts as the city council confronts a $20 million operational deficit. Learn how this budget crisis could impact your community.