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?
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.
The WA government's $30m election pledge for Como Secondary College is underfunded and years behind schedule. Discover the details and community impact.
The husband of Murray-Wellington Shire President Linda Balcombe faces court over alleged harassing phone calls to a fellow councillor. Read the latest on this political scandal.
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.
As the year ends and an election looms, columnist Mike Smithson recaps the most remarkable moments in Australian state politics for 2025. Read his full analysis here.
WA's 2026 transport changes will save commuters money while tackling council dysfunction. Get the details on the state's new cost-of-living and governance measures.
Newcastle Herald readers demand leadership on a maritime museum, protest a 40% rate hike in Cessnock, and debate the city's light rail performance. Read the full community debate.
Jessica Page accuses Rita Saffioti of hypocrisy over a pre-Christmas budget wishlist. The Opposition slams the government's spending priorities ahead of the 2025 state election.
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.
Cockburn councillors vote 7-2 to bring public petitions back to council meetings, overturning a 2017 policy. The move aims to enhance local democracy despite staff concerns over cost.
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.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ends 2025 on a high after a crushing election win and Coalition chaos. But political analyst Mark Kenny warns of looming dangers from hubris and secrecy that could undo Labor's success. Read the full analysis.
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
The ACT Greens propose a law to ban 'partisan' government advertising, targeting Chief Minister Andrew Barr's monthly column. The government defends its communications as factual.
Basil Zempilus examines the Cook Government's housing performance, questioning its achievements amid Perth's affordability crisis. Read the full analysis.
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.
A former top bureaucrat warns Australia needs a political 'fixer' to navigate looming economic and social challenges. Discover why and what it means for the nation's future.
Rumours of a political coup in South Australia have resurfaced, drawing unsettling parallels to Premier Smithson's own controversial 'execution edict' from his past. Explore the details and implications for state politics.
Canberra's Legislative Assembly faces a pivotal vote for Speaker as the Liberals nominate Jeremy Hanson. Will this political gamble pay off in the final sitting week of 2025?
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.
Shocking audio reveals Troy Thompson's campaign team plotting aggressive tactics against political rivals. Exclusive details from the leaked recordings that rocked Townsville politics.
Author Madonna King shares how she discovered the personal story behind political firebrand Bob Katter. Learn about the man behind the public persona in this revealing interview.
Recent council decisions show common sense in short supply as official petitions get sidelined. Discover how local governance is being undermined across Australia.
Joondalup councillor Nigel Jones resigns after attempting to expense beer from Crazy Horse Revue strip club during Adelaide conference. Exclusive interview before holiday departure.
Joondalup councillor steps down after strip club beer photo triggers investigation into his military service claims. Read the full story of the political fallout.
The Liberal Party faces an existential crisis mirroring Kodak's failure to adapt to digital photography. Multiple leadership changes across states signal deeper structural problems.
Troy Thompson's political career in Townsville collapsed just weeks after his election victory. Discover how social media controversies led to his resignation.