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.
Geelong businessman Ron Nelson announces Liberal candidacy for South Barwon, criticising the current Labor MP. Read his plans for the electorate.
As the SA state election heats up, Labor and Liberal have recruited leading journalists as spin doctors. Mike Smithson analyses the impact on political reporting. Read the full story.
Relive May 2025 in Canberra: David Smith narrowly holds Bean against Jessie Price, and the Lanyon community saves its beloved Point Hut Dog Exercise Area. See the gallery.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
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.
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 pivotal month in Canberra saw PM Albanese call a federal election and a tragic car theft and collision in Griffith. Explore the key moments captured by photographers.
Following the Bondi Junction massacre, political leaders call for unity and compassion, warning against exploiting the tragedy for political gain. Let's choose kindness in 2026.
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas reveals his ambition to run in the 2029 Western Australian state election, declaring political life doesn't scare him. Read his full plan.
Analysis of 2025's political winners and losers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese capitalised on a fractured Liberal Party, while the Coalition's energy policy chaos and internal strife marked a disastrous year. Read the full breakdown.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
A NSW Supreme Court judge has ruled claims by former Cessnock councillors over the Liberal Party's candidate nomination failure are 'reasonably arguable'. The case will proceed, seeking accountability.
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.
Ashton Hurn is the new SA Liberal leader, elected unopposed to steady the party with a state election just 15 weeks away. Discover the challenges ahead.
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.
Vincent Tarzia has resigned as South Australian Liberal leader following the party's 2025 state election defeat. Read the full story on his decision and the search for a new opposition leader.
South Australian Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia sensationally quits three months before the state election. Get the latest on the leadership shock and what it means for March 2025.
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.
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.
New Painted Dog Research poll shows Basil Zempilas has barely shifted the dial for the WA Liberals, while Premier Roger Cook faces voter anger on cost of living. Full analysis inside.
Robbie Katter has launched a scathing attack on Queensland Premier Steven Miles after KAP's shock loss in Hinchinbrook. Read the full political fallout.
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.
WA Premier Roger Cook has dismissed claims the Electoral Commissioner is a scapegoat as Robert Kennedy resists calls to resign over the March 8 state election. A parliamentary vote looms.
WA's Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy has been told to resign or face dismissal after a scathing report into the bungled March 8 state election. Read the full details of the investigation's findings.