A controversial state government proposal to grant Queensland mayors more authority, including hiring and firing CEOs, has sparked a fierce rift among local councils. Discover the details of the plan and the heated debate.
A Canberra Times analysis reveals no local agencies are on the federal government's high-value advertising panel, with millions flowing to Sydney and Melbourne firms. Discover the details and the government's response.
WA's new Local Government Inspector Tony Brown has selected his first council for proactive monitoring following recent controversies. Discover the details and what it means for governance.
A top WA health official was paid $80,000 for a snap hospital audit, prompting calls to end government secrecy. Read why transparency advocates are demanding answers.
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.
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.
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.
From Jules Neale to workplace pay, women are rejecting the old rule of silent dignity. Explore the cultural shift towards agency and why silence has an uneven cost. Read the full analysis.
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.
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.
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
Queenscliff Council CEO Martin Gill will finish his role early following a decisive council vote. Discover what's next for the coastal community leadership.
Gough Whitlam's formative years in Canberra profoundly influenced his ambitious government agenda and belief in federal power. Discover the lasting impact 50 years after the Dismissal.
Townsville council candidate Troy Thompson admits avoiding questions about his party affiliation. Read the full story about the political controversy.
A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing staffer in Geelong challenges unfair dismissal after being fired for alleged misconduct. The case now proceeds to Fair Work Commission.
Exclusive roundtable reveals mounting frustration among business leaders and local government over bureaucratic red tape stalling vital projects across Australia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Jenny Hill's push for a comprehensive audit of Townsville Council operations encounters significant legal and procedural obstacles that could derail the investigation.
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.
Controversial new legislation gives the Australian government unprecedented powers to suspend welfare payments, raising serious human rights concerns among legal experts and advocates.
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.