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Date: 23rd June 2026 Preliminary findings from the largest study ever conducted into the mental health and wellbeing of Australian politicians suggest the sector faces a governance challenge as much as a personal welfare one, with a significant proportion of elected representatives reporting that poor mental health is affecting their capacity to contribute fully in […]
Continue ReadingToday on the Local Government News Roundup: Listen to this episode now: Victorian Report Melton City Councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg has been suspended for two months, following an independent arbiter’s report into misconduct. The finding, which was tabled at last night’s council meeting, follows a complaint lodged by eight of her fellow councillors. The Age reported […]
Continue ReadingDate: 22nd June 2026 Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub has called for a fundamental shift in how the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is implemented. Speaking to Chris Eddy for an upcoming episode of VLGA Connect, Cr Straub said the current review process has become a political exercise that is ignoring both scientific evidence and the communities […]
Continue ReadingComing up today on the Local Government News Roundup: plus Balranald Shire Council CEO Terry Dodds sounds the alarm on the financial sustainability of rural and regional councils. And much more local government news from across Australia and beyond. The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with […]
Continue ReadingIn this new special edition of the Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Rum Charles, a veteran consultant and trainer who has worked with over 100 councils across Australia. With a career in the sector dating back to the mid-90s, Rum brings a candid and sometimes provocative perspective on the internal cultures of local government. […]
Continue ReadingOn a new special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Fiona Miller and Lee Griffiths, the authors of ABCD and Beyond: A Practical Guide for Local Government, published by the Jeder Institute. This book has arrived at a time when councils are being asked to respond to complex, fast-moving challenges while also rebuilding trust, […]
Continue ReadingIn a new special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy is joined by Martin Taylor, a barrister, solicitor, and councillor at the City of Whittlesea. A prolific author on the intersection of law and public policy, Martin has recently published a comprehensive two-volume set on environmental crime alongside a new, vital guide to community safety and crime prevention. […]
Continue ReadingOn a Local Government News Roundup Special Edition, Chris Eddy is joined by Andrew Clarke, a senior lecturer in sociology and social policy at the University of New South Wales, to discuss a timely and critical new study examining how Australian local governments are navigating the escalating homelessness crisis. While homelessness has traditionally been viewed as a state or […]
Continue ReadingIn this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Plus as we mark five years of the Local Government News Roundup, I’m joined by some special guests to talk about how we got here, and where we’re going next. And we introduce a new Roundup Flashback segment – highlighting some of the stories making local […]
Continue ReadingThis week on Roundup Extra, discover how Stephen Yarwood transitioned from urban planner to the youngest Lord Mayor of Adelaide. Learn about his experiences, challenges, and key insights on local governance on the Local Government News Roundup episode coming Wednesday, 4th March. Hear about the inspiring journey of Stephen Yarwood, who became the youngest Lord […]
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