Rate Exemptions Cost WA Councils Millions
WA councils claim a loophole allowing some not-for-profits to dodge rates is costing them vital revenue for services. WALGA demands a $200k review to fix the system. Read more.
Category : Search result: WA local government rates
Cessnock Council's 40% rate hike plan gets low survey response
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.
Surprise inflation fall lifts hopes of rates reprieve
A sharper-than-expected fall in inflation offers hope for Australian households, but underlying price pressures remain a concern for the Reserve Bank. Read the latest analysis.
Core inflation falls to 3.2%, easing RBA rate hike fears
New ABS data shows core inflation eased to 3.2% in the year to November, slightly below forecasts. The result may reduce immediate pressure for a February RBA rate hike. Read the full analysis.
WA Families Skipping Meals as Cost of Living Bites
New data reveals WA's cost of living crisis is forcing families to choose between food and bills, with smoking rates also rising. Doctors are sounding the alarm. Read the full report.
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.
Biggie Smalls' 'Mo Money Mo Problems' & RBA Rate Hikes
As the RBA eyes a February rate hike, a classic 90s rap lyric sums up Australia's inflation dilemma. We break down the economic pain, the silver linings, and why Michele Bullock is talking tough. Read more.
Canberra luxury property downturn predicted for 2026
Experts forecast a potential downturn for Canberra's luxury housing market in early 2026, with rising interest rates likely to boost demand for more affordable apartments. Key suburbs to watch revealed.
Spin bowling decline threatens future of Test cricket
The alarming decline of spin bowling in Test cricket, highlighted by recent Ashes tactics, demands urgent ICC intervention to protect the sport's future and inspire the next generation.
Australian States Ranked by Cancer Burden: NSW Highest
A new study reveals stark differences in cancer rates across Australia, with NSW bearing the highest burden. Discover the state-by-state breakdown and what experts say it means for healthcare.
RBA Pauses Rates, No Increases Expected Until 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia has held the cash rate at 4.35% and signalled a prolonged pause, with no hikes expected before 2026. Discover what this means for mortgages and the economy.
RBA's Bullock Warns of Inflation Fight Until 2026
RBA Governor Michele Bullock warns inflation battle could last until 2026, with potential interest rate rises. Senator Dean Smith critiques government's economic approach. Read the full analysis.
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.
Aguia lifts Santa Barbara gold recoveries in Colombia
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.
Muswellbrook Shire proposes 29% mining rate hike
Muswellbrook Shire Council is consulting on a Special Rate Variation for mining land to address a looming $5 million annual revenue shortfall. The move aims to protect community services and fund economic transition.
Beetaloo's Carpentaria-5H well delivers basin-leading gas flow
Beetaloo Energy's Carpentaria-5H well achieves a peak flow of 11.2 terajoules daily, marking a major step towards first gas sales in 2026. Discover the strategy behind the basin's strong performance.
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.
Check Your Holiday Pay: Unions NSW Compliance Push
Unions NSW launches a holiday compliance blitz, urging tens of thousands of Hunter retail and hospitality workers to verify their penalty rates and stand against wage theft.
Flu deaths surpass COVID in Australia's record winter
New ABS data reveals influenza killed more Australians than COVID-19 this winter, with WA cases rising post-season. Experts urge vaccination as national figures hit a grim record.
Newcastle tops NSW in six major crime categories
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie lead NSW in sexual assaults and vehicle thefts, new crime stats reveal. Discover the sobering data and regional trends.
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.
$50M Cancer Centre for Cairns Hospital to Fight Rising Rates
A $50 million investment will establish a new Cairns Hospital Integrated Cancer Centre, boosting regional care and tackling the Far North's high cancer rates. Learn about the life-saving upgrade.
Townsville's heartbreaking suicide trend for men revealed
New data shows a devastating pattern of suicide in Townsville, with men diagnosed with mental illness at greatest risk. Experts call for urgent, targeted intervention.
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.
Hunter council proposes 29% rate rise for mining land
Muswellbrook Shire Council seeks a 29% rate increase exclusively on mining land to safeguard services as coal revenue declines. Public consultation is now open.
WACA asks for 10-year, $2.5m rate exemption from council
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.
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