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?
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.
A damning audit reveals the Office of Parliamentary Counsel oversaw a project with a tripled budget and contracts inflated up to 1900%, including a $480k 'scrum master' role. Read the full investigation.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
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.
A national audit reveals thousands of hospital deaths were caused by human error and poor decision-making. Experts call for urgent training overhaul and better systems. Read the full report.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
Aguia Resources slashes costs and boosts gold recoveries at its Santa Barbara mine in Colombia to 70%, targeting 80% and positive cash flow. Read the full operational turnaround story.
Australia's corporate regulator sues BDO WA and a lead partner over alleged audit failures concerning $30m in missing funds at Dubber Corporation. Read the full details.
The Albanese government has quietly abandoned its own definition of the public service's external workforce, which it previously used to accuse the Coalition of a $20.8bn 'shadow workforce'. Discover the new audit figures.
The ACT's Auditor-General warns urgent action is needed to fix the territory's budget, with annual interest payments set to hit $1 billion. Read the full report on the fiscal crisis.
The Town of East Fremantle faces a doubling of audit fees and a missed deadline for its annual report, linked to the East Fremantle Community Park finances. Read the latest local government update.
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.
The Treasury Department will review $2.3 billion in unlawful payments to states for energy rebates. Secretary Jenny Wilkinson denies any code of conduct breaches. Full details from the Senate estimates hearing.
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.
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.
Ajay Sharma, a 20-year veteran of the ACT Audit Office, has been appointed as the territory's new Auditor-General for a seven-year term, commencing February 2025.
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority launches investigation into Cairns Regional Council's handling of cyclone recovery funds. Stay informed about the audit findings.
Recent council decisions show common sense in short supply as official petitions get sidelined. Discover how local governance is being undermined across Australia.
Cairns Regional Council audit uncovers serious procurement breaches in contracts worth millions. CEO warns of disciplinary action as investigation continues.
Audit reveals Douglas Shire Council paid former employee triple their wage as contractor. Investigation uncovers serious procurement breaches and governance failures.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has ordered a full health audit of Blakehurst High School after teachers revealed a potential cancer cluster. Read the latest developments.
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.
Maitland Council expresses disappointment as cruise ships cancel visits following Newcastle's approval of Rising Tide protest, costing local businesses millions.