Calls for a Greater Newcastle Council to Unite Region
Columnist Bradley Perrett argues for a new Greater Newcastle Council to unify planning and amplify the Hunter's voice to the state government. Discover why cross-LGA cooperation is crucial.
Category : Search result: local government reform
$550k State Funding Boost for Cairns Community Groups
Cairns community groups secure over $550,000 in state funding for vital local projects. Discover which organisations are set to benefit and how the funds will be used.
WA Urged to Adopt National Anti-Hate Laws
WA is the only state without specific anti-vilification laws. Brian Grieg demands urgent reform to protect LGBTQI+, Jewish, and Muslim communities from rising hate speech.
WA's $1.2bn Health System Overhaul Begins
Western Australia embarks on a $1.2 billion health system transformation. Discover how the new model aims to cut wait times and deliver world-class care for all West Australians.
Queensland Councils Split Over Mayoral Power Plan
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.
Local Government Inspector Picks First Council for Monitoring
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.
Federal inquiry into local councils' financial crisis
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?
Chronic illness worsens as Medicare faces pressure
Over 5100 deaths a year in the Hunter are linked to chronic disease, with experts warning the crisis will deepen without urgent Medicare reform and targeted funding. Read more.
Cook Govt Urges Patience on Stamp Duty Reform
WA Premier Roger Cook asks for patience on stamp duty reform while Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas pushes for immediate action. Explore the debate on housing affordability.
Zempilas Proposes 10 Tax Reforms for First Home Buyers
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas outlines 10 key tax reforms to help first home buyers enter the property market. Read his plan to ease the financial burden.
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.
Perth House Prices to Hit $1M, Squeezing First-Home Buyers
Perth's property market is on track for a $1 million median house price, creating a nightmare for first-home buyers. Experts call for urgent supply and tax reforms to address the crisis.
Taxis must up their game to survive Uber age
Financial expert Nick Bruining argues Australian taxi services need a major overhaul in service, pricing, and technology to compete with ride-sharing giants like Uber. Can they adapt in time?
Scathing 1983 Cabinet Papers Slam Victorian Prisons
Newly released cabinet papers reveal a damning 1983 review of Victoria's prisons, branding Geelong Gaol 'obsolete'. Discover the shocking findings and the government's secret plans.
WA Govt 2026: Commuter Savings, Council Reform
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.
Rejecting Doubt: The Case for Human Progress
Political analyst Mark Kenny argues against the corrosive power of doubt, using Live Aid's legacy and Australia's policy inertia as examples of why we must believe in positive change.
Cook: No Change to Perth Shopping Hours This Term
WA Premier Roger Cook confirms no changes to Perth's restrictive retail trading hours during this government term, citing a focus on other priorities. Read the full story.
Bondi shooting sparks debate on gun laws and memorials
In the wake of the Bondi attack, Australians are divided on gun reform and how to create a lasting tribute. Letters to the editor reveal strong opinions on firearm limits, hunting, and the nature of heroism.
Greens warn against 'knee-jerk' protest crackdown after Bondi
ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury criticises NSW's post-Bondi protest laws as a 'knee-jerk reaction' while supporting tighter gun controls and a review of anti-vilification laws in the territory.
Government's failure on budget reform to cost Australians
Australian governments are squandering a perfect opportunity for budget repair, risking higher interest rates and a weaker economy. Find out why political inaction will hit your wallet.
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.
Cockburn Council to hear petitions after 8-year hiatus
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.
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.
Sydney residents hold over 300 guns each, data shows
Shocking data reveals individuals in Sydney's suburbs own hundreds of firearms, fuelling urgent national debate on gun law reform after the Bondi terror attack. Read the full story.
Former NSW Police Commissioner Peter Ryan dies aged 81
Peter Ryan, the former top cop who reformed the NSW Police Force after the Wood Royal Commission, has died. Read about his turbulent tenure and lasting legacy.
Katter pushes for new migration laws post-Bondi
Bob Katter calls for urgent migration reforms following the Bondi Junction terror attack. Read his full proposal and the government's response.
WA Building Industry Reforms Urged Amid Crisis
West Australian families face a building industry 'snake-pit' as the government reviews contract laws. Minister Buti promises 2026 reforms after 740 survey responses highlighted systemic failures.
Cook: Gun Reform 'Urgent', Anti-Semitism Harder to Fix
WA Premier Roger Cook calls for accelerated national gun law reforms after the Bondi massacre but admits tackling deep-seated anti-Semitism is a complex, long-term fight for Australia.
Bondi attack leaves Albanese exposed on anti-Semitism
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confronts intense criticism over his government's handling of anti-Semitism following the devastating Bondi Beach terrorist attack that claimed 15 lives. Analysis of the political fallout and calls for action.
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