ACT's $150m Aquatic Centre Build Amidst Critique
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.
Category : Search result: government transparency
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.
Belmont residents brand annual electors' meeting a 'waste of time'
A City of Belmont residents' group has labelled annual electors' meetings a 'complete waste of time', questioning council engagement after low attendance and over 20 motions were presented. Read more on the local democracy debate.
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.
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.
ACT Year 12 ATAR results kept secret for 2025
Median ATAR scores for Canberra's 2025 Year 12 cohort will remain hidden, continuing a trend of limited transparency. A delayed advisory committee review means data won't be public until at least 2026.
Military chiefs, bureaucrats declare lavish gifts and perks
Senior Australian public servants and military chiefs accepted thousands in gifts, including flight upgrades, sports tickets, and luxury items. Explore the full disclosure of perks declared on the official register.
Perth's $60M Parking Levy: Where Does the Money Go?
Perth's CBD parking levy raises over $60 million annually, but a lack of transparency on its spending is fuelling public frustration. Clarity on fund allocation is now essential.
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.
AG's Dept Unable to Back AI Bot Claims Behind FOI 'Truth Tax'
The Attorney-General's Department could not produce evidence supporting claims of AI bots overwhelming FOI systems, used to justify a controversial 'truth tax'. Read the full investigation.
How Digital Platforms Revolutionised Commodity Trading
Discover how digital trading platforms have democratised commodity markets, making them accessible to farmers and small producers across Australia. Learn about the transformation from exclusive old boys' clubs to transparent online systems.
Government consultant spending jumps $135m despite pledge
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.
Cairns councillors question mayor's frequent capital trips
Cairns councillors demand transparency as Mayor Terry James makes multiple trips to Canberra costing ratepayers over $40,000. Questions arise about value for money.
New Mayor Dametto Promises Transparency in Townsville
Troy Dametto takes office as Townsville's new mayor, pledging transparency, trust and fiscal responsibility. Learn about his vision for the city's future.
Ex-MP lobbies for Chinese university with PLA links
Former Liberal MP Pat Farmer is lobbying for a Chinese university with deep ties to China's defence establishment, raising national security concerns. Discover the details and implications.
Newcastle's community spirit debated in letters
From friendly greetings to climate policy and light rail extensions, Newcastle residents share diverse opinions on local issues. Read the community conversation.
Child Safety Inquiry Rejects Secret Evidence Bid
Queensland's child protection inquiry denies government request for confidential staff testimony. Commission insists on transparency in Cairns hearing. Read the latest developments.
New AI rules for government contractors announced
Federal government requires contractors to disclose AI use in public service work. New plan includes AI chatbot, training and accountability measures to harness technology safely.
Belmont Council censors question in meeting video
A Belmont residents' group accuses the City of Belmont of censorship after a question was edited out of a public council meeting recording and minutes. Discover the controversy.
Experts Warn of Potential Constitutional Crisis in Australia
Leading political analysts are drawing unsettling parallels between current political tensions and the 1975 Whitlam dismissal, suggesting Australia's constitutional framework could face unprecedented challenges.
New Shellharbour CEO to Transform Workplace Culture
Wayde Peterson takes the helm at Shellharbour City Council with a bold mission to overhaul workplace culture and drive organisational excellence across the Illawarra region.
Wayde Peterson Named Shellharbour Council CEO
Shellharbour Council has appointed Wayde Peterson as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive local government experience and fresh leadership to the region. Discover what this means for the community.
Ex-Mayor's Townsville Council Audit Faces Legal Hurdles
Ex-mayor Jenny Hill's push for a comprehensive audit of Townsville Council operations encounters significant legal and procedural obstacles that could derail the investigation.
ACT Public Servants Earn Highest Wages in Australia
Canberra's public servants are now the highest-paid in the nation, with new data showing ACT government wages surging past other states and territories. Discover what's driving this unprecedented salary growth.
New Welfare Laws Alarm Human Rights Experts
Controversial new legislation gives the Australian government unprecedented powers to suspend welfare payments, raising serious human rights concerns among legal experts and advocates.
Geelong man fined while caring for dying wife
A Geelong man caring for his terminally ill wife has been hit with an 'inhumane' parking fine, sparking outrage and calls for council compassion reform.
Cockburn councillor survives removal push in close vote
Former City of Cockburn deputy mayor Chontelle Stone has narrowly survived a controversial push to remove her from council, with the motion failing in a tense 6-5 vote that exposed deep divisions within the local government.
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