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Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Listen to this episode now: Victoria Bayside City Council is taking its fight for transparency over new planning rules to the Supreme Court. The council is seeking to compel Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to hand over ministerial briefs and advice used to approve a controversial planning amendment affecting […]
Continue ReadingDate: 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 ReadingToday on the Local Government News Roundup: Listen to this episode: Victorian Report The Victorian Government’s new legislation aimed at strengthening council governance has drawn sharp criticism for failing to crack down on political donations. The bill follows years of integrity warnings, most notably from the anti-corruption watchdog’s Operation Sandon report into the Casey Council […]
Continue ReadingDate: 19th June 2026 The Victorian Government’s new legislation aimed at strengthening council governance has drawn sharp criticism for failing to crack down on political donations. The bill follows years of integrity warnings, most notably from the anti-corruption watchdog’s Operation Sandon report into the Casey Council scandal. While Local Government Minister Paul Hamer stated the […]
Continue ReadingDate: 12th June 2026 The Victorian Electoral Commission has formally declared Chaman Tiwari as the new councillor for the City of Whittlesea’s Thomastown Ward. The by-election follows the resignation of Nic Brooks in January. Ms Tiwari, who is currently overseas, will return to be officially sworn in on the third of July before commencing an […]
Continue ReadingDate: 11 June 2026 The City of South Perth has called a Special Council Meeting for Tuesday 16 June 2026 to consider a formal request for a further extension of an external Local Government Monitor, as the council works through ongoing governance and workplace culture concerns. Local Government Inspector Tony Brown appointed Gail McGowan PSM […]
Continue ReadingVictoria’s Supreme Court has declared the suspension of former Whittlesea Mayor Aidan McLindon invalid, in a ruling that exposes a significant procedural gap in how municipal monitors discharge their obligations under the Local Government Act. Justice Steven Moore handed down the decision today, finding that the order suspending Mr McLindon for six months — made […]
Continue ReadingThe City of Kingston has endorsed a new Governance and Cultural Improvement Action Plan, outlining a series of practical initiatives designed to strengthen governance practices, foster a collaborative organisational culture, and support effective leadership and decision-making. The plan was developed through a dedicated councillor working group established earlier this year, drawing on input from all […]
Continue ReadingGold Coast City Council has reduced its proposed general rate increase from 5.7 per cent to 4.7 per cent, following a special budget meeting that saw significant internal division among councillors. The 4.7 per cent figure aligns with Brisbane’s CPI for March, the formula the City has applied consistently for the past decade under Mayor […]
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