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Date: 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 […]
Continue ReadingOn the Local Government News Roundup today: Plus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond. The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode now: Transcript for Episode #586: Victorian […]
Continue ReadingThe WA Local Government Minister has confirmed that a commissioner will be appointed to the Shire of Carnarvon, after six of its eight elected members resign within a few days of each other. As previously reported, the Shire President Eddie Smith was the first to go, followed by five more. While there was no official […]
Continue ReadingToday on the Roundup’s YouTube channel, Chris Eddy has breaking news on a mass exodus of elected members from a Western Australian Council; a South Australian Council CEO’s surprise career move; and a legal challenge withdrawn in the City of Stonnington.
Continue ReadingSix councillors — including the Shire President — have resigned from the Shire of Carnarvon Council over the past few days, leaving the local government without enough elected members to form a quorum. In a statement today, the Shire confirmed the resignations mean Council cannot currently hold valid meetings or make decisions requiring a formal […]
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