Parliament recalled to debate new hate speech laws
Federal MPs will return early to debate Australia's 'toughest ever' hate laws, targeting radicalisation and visa cancellations, following the Bondi terror attack. Read the latest.
Category : Search result: Government Powers
ACT's $150m Aquatic Centre Build Amidst Critique
The ACT Government is pushing ahead with a new $150 million aquatic centre in Woden, despite facing criticism over costs and transparency. Discover the details and the political debate.
Judge declares Cairns police search unlawful
A Cairns judge has thrown out drug evidence, ruling a police search unlawful because an officer relied on the smell of cannabis from months earlier. Read the full ruling details.
New WA Local Government Inspector Begins Powers to Tackle Dysfunction
WA's first Local Government Inspector, Tony Brown, now has full powers to oversee councils, issue fines up to $24,000, and recommend suspensions. The reforms aim to stamp out poor conduct.
FOI costs double while full document releases plummet
Analysis reveals Australia's freedom of information system has become more expensive and secretive, with costs doubling to $97.9 million while full releases halve. Read the full investigation.
WA Labor's $46m secret expert advice spend slammed
WA's Labor government spent $46.4m on external consultants in just 10 months, with the opposition slamming the 'alarming' outsourcing rate. Read the full breakdown.
Ex-US intel chief: Bondi attack exposes Australian agency failures
A former top US intelligence officer says Australian agencies failed to share critical clues before the Bondi massacre. Could better intel sharing have prevented the tragedy? Read the full analysis.
Murray CEO Dean Unsworth named 2025 Local Government Leader
Shire of Murray CEO Dean Unsworth has been awarded the 2025 Local Government Leader of the Year title at the IPAA WA Achievement Awards. Discover his collaborative leadership and key achievements.
Court ruling on union delegates sparks industry fury
Mining and energy groups warn a Federal Court decision creates a 'two-tiered' workplace class, expanding union delegate powers beyond Fair Work Commission limits. Read the full story.
Expanded police search powers for Geelong areas
Victoria Police granted new powers to stop and search without warrant in Geelong CBD, Corio, and Waurn Ponds to combat knife crime and public violence. The 12-month order starts April 26.
East Fremantle Council votes to pay itself super
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
Government's FOI crackdown set for humiliating Senate defeat
The Albanese government's controversial freedom of information reforms are headed for a Senate defeat after the Coalition and Greens joined forces to oppose the bill. Read why critics call it a 'secrecy bill'.
$5M Motorplex contract to firm linked to bikie
The Cook Government faces scrutiny after awarding a $5 million Motorplex contract to a company linked to bikie Benjamin David Ortin. Questions arise over due diligence.
Government consultant spending jumps $135m despite pledge
Federal government spending on external consultants surged to $756 million last year, contradicting Labor's promise to build public service capability. Analysis reveals $135m increase.
SA Police Get New Missing Persons Search Powers
South Australian police gain stronger search powers for high-risk missing persons cases. New legislation allows entry without consent when vulnerable lives are at stake.
Court: Man unlawfully detained in unit BBQ area
An ACT court has ruled police unlawfully detained an intoxicated man in a unit complex barbecue area, determining it was not a public place. Read the full legal analysis.
WA Government's 'Stealth' Housing Plan Angers Councils
The WA Government bypasses local councils with new housing approval powers, sparking outrage from local governments and planning experts. Learn how this affects communities.
New AI rules for government contractors announced
Federal government requires contractors to disclose AI use in public service work. New plan includes AI chatbot, training and accountability measures to harness technology safely.
Property Council: Strip Councils of Planning Powers
The Property Council urges the WA Government to take planning powers from councils blocking housing development, citing the worsening housing crisis. Read the full story.
Planning Delays Frustrate Australian Business Leaders
Exclusive roundtable reveals mounting frustration among business leaders and local government over bureaucratic red tape stalling vital projects across Australia.
Aussie Councils Reinvent Local Government Beyond Basic Services
Australian local governments are dramatically expanding their role, moving far beyond traditional services to become key players in community wellbeing, economic development, and digital innovation.
Housing Authority's Annual Audit Failure Continues
Western Australia's Housing Authority faces scrutiny as it fails yet another financial audit, raising serious questions about financial management and accountability in the state's public housing system.
Experts Warn of Potential Constitutional Crisis in Australia
Leading political analysts are drawing unsettling parallels between current political tensions and the 1975 Whitlam dismissal, suggesting Australia's constitutional framework could face unprecedented challenges.
WA Labor revolt over mining sexual harassment failures
Western Australia's Labor government confronts mounting internal pressure as mining companies show disappointing uptake of crucial sexual harassment program, sparking outrage among party members.
New Shellharbour CEO to Transform Workplace Culture
Wayde Peterson takes the helm at Shellharbour City Council with a bold mission to overhaul workplace culture and drive organisational excellence across the Illawarra region.
Wayde Peterson Named Shellharbour Council CEO
Shellharbour Council has appointed Wayde Peterson as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive local government experience and fresh leadership to the region. Discover what this means for the community.
Ex-Mayor's Townsville Council Audit Faces Legal Hurdles
Ex-mayor Jenny Hill's push for a comprehensive audit of Townsville Council operations encounters significant legal and procedural obstacles that could derail the investigation.
ACT Public Servants Earn Highest Wages in Australia
Canberra's public servants are now the highest-paid in the nation, with new data showing ACT government wages surging past other states and territories. Discover what's driving this unprecedented salary growth.
New Welfare Laws Alarm Human Rights Experts
Controversial new legislation gives the Australian government unprecedented powers to suspend welfare payments, raising serious human rights concerns among legal experts and advocates.
Geelong man fined while caring for dying wife
A Geelong man caring for his terminally ill wife has been hit with an 'inhumane' parking fine, sparking outrage and calls for council compassion reform.
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