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 Albanese government faces criticism over claims its tobacco tax will fund health measures. Experts call it a misleading 'puff piece' that ignores the true cost of smoking. Read the full analysis.
The WA government's $30m election pledge for Como Secondary College is underfunded and years behind schedule. Discover the details and community impact.
Queenslanders hit by the 2022 floods are struggling to access promised funds due to a new, complex government process. Learn about the bureaucratic delays and calls for urgent reform.
The Cook Government unveils a $50,000 scholarship program to attract high-achieving international students to Western Australian universities. Learn how to apply and boost WA's education sector.
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.
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.
New tender documents for Canberra's $138 million aquatic centre reveal no dive pool or boards, angering users who expected a like-for-like replacement. Key sports and community assets are now under threat.
Iluka Resources has made 91 employees redundant, including 38 at its Perth HQ, following the suspension of its Cataby mineral sands mine. Read the full details on the job cuts and market impact.
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.
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.
Queensland's political leaders unite to back a major $100 million overhaul for Townsville's CBD revival, aiming to transform Flinders Street and boost the local economy. Read the full plan.
Canberra's National Jewish Memorial Centre requests $100,000 in federal funding for safety upgrades, citing heightened fear after the Bondi terrorist attack. The Albanese government has allocated funds for community security.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has not ruled out reductions in public service staffing as agencies are ordered to find savings. MYEFO shows a spike in separation costs.
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.
The WA government commits $7.5 million for a new seven-storey social housing apartment block on Queen Victoria Street in Fremantle, dedicated to residents aged 55 and over.
The Albanese government has unveiled nearly $700 million in new funding for Canberra's national institutions and infrastructure in its mid-year budget update. Key projects include the National Gallery roof, War Memorial redevelopment, and Lake Burley Grif
The Albanese government injects $233 million into CSIRO to safeguard critical research in AI, climate resilience, and minerals, despite 350 jobs still set to be axed. Read the full budget 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 Council urges state government to provide special disaster funding for 16 households displaced by the New Lambton landslip, facing financial ruin and trauma as insurance support runs out. Read the full story.
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's $137.8m Commonwealth Park aquatic centre faces a critical design choice: allocate precious land and funds for car parking or prioritise community facilities and public transport access.
CSIRO CEO Doug Hilton has declined to guarantee no further job losses beyond the 350 roles already slated for 2026, citing budget pressures and ageing infrastructure needs. Read the latest.
Internal emails show the Australian Research Council is planning staff cuts despite an expanded workload. Senator Pocock accuses the ARC of a secret restructure. Read the full investigation.
Suburbs in Canberra's north-west will lose rapid bus services for two years due to Commonwealth Avenue bridge works. Timetable changes start February 2026, with free Friday/Saturday evening travel offered.
The Cook Government unveils a $349 million funding package to enhance rapid responses to family and domestic violence incidents across Western Australia.
Defence Force Chief David Johnston confirms plans to cut senior officer numbers, admitting the military is 'too top-heavy'. Get the latest on the ADF restructure and potential impacts.
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'.