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.
A legal loophole could compel WA Police to free potential terrorists. The Cook Government refuses to amend the law, citing federal responsibility. Read the full analysis.
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.
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.
Members of Canberra's Jewish community call on the Albanese government to safeguard the right to protest while drafting new hate speech laws in response to the Bondi Beach attack. Read their concerns.
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.
The WA government announces plans to increase penalties for hate crimes and introduce new offences, responding to community calls for stronger action against prejudice-driven violence.
Former Labor MP Mike Kelly accuses the Albanese government of moving too slowly to strengthen hate speech laws and tackle extremism, as new measures are unveiled. Read the full story.
Pressure mounts on the Albanese government to call a royal commission into the Bondi massacre. Analysis reveals leadership failures and delayed action on hate speech laws.
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.
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.
Canberra's shooting community reacts to national cabinet's proposed firearms law changes, arguing limits on ownership could harm sport and farming. Read the local impact.
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
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'.
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.
Fed-up Brisbane residents are using social media to identify plant thieves caught on CCTV stealing trees and shrubs in Fortitude Valley. Authorities warn offenders face hefty fines.
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 Mayor Terry James faces integrity investigation over $12 coat rack purchase and secret backyard meeting. What this means for local governance.
WA Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley is seeking urgent advice on the turmoil at City of Perth, including an unlawful motion and staff resignations. Residents demand action.
Melville Council forces ratepayers to cover an $80,000 bill for a special election after a councillor's resignation. The Palmyra-Melville-Willagee ward faces months of under-representation.
Perth's acting CEO resigns after declaring council's workplace culture review unlawful and flawed. Read the explosive details behind the sudden departure.
WA Premier Roger Cook declares federal environmental law overhaul could have been better for industry but praises WA engagement. Read the full analysis.
City of Melville councillor Clive Ross fails to secure review of council payments for legal representation. Motion defeated 7-4 amid transparency concerns.
City of Cockburn considers significant increases to infrastructure contributions for developers, potentially adding thousands to project costs. Learn how this affects local development.
Donnie Grigau elected as Queenscliffe's new mayor, promising collaborative leadership and community focus after council reshuffle. Read about his vision for the borough.
City of Perth Council adopts a $125,000 independent workplace culture review after a hastily called meeting. Discover the details and controversy surrounding this decision.
The Australian government mandates streaming services invest 7.5% of local revenue in homegrown drama and documentaries. Discover how this boosts Illawarra's film industry.
Joondalup councillor Nigel Jones resigns after attempting to expense beer from Crazy Horse Revue strip club during Adelaide conference. Exclusive interview before holiday departure.