cover story
Out of leftfield
Australia's regions are more than punching above their weight in their entertainment and community-focused festivals.

news
NSW councils reject mergers
There is more to modernisation of local government than council amalgamations and the creation of state government super-agencies.

Ombudsman to councillors: tell the truth
The Victorian Ombudsman has urged councillors to face up to issue and stop lying during local government investigations.

Planning reform must include local politics
The national debate on planning reform must include consideration of local level politics, according to the ACT Planning and Land Authority's chief planning executive, Neil Savery.

Ombudsman report scathing on agency efficiency
An annual report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman has found a marked increase in people complaining about the services of government agencies.

study tour
Community pride gains currency
Local currencies have been gaining a lot of media play in the United Kingdom as communities such as Brixton seek an alternative to mainstream currencies in the hope of empowering their neighbourhoods.

management
Managers failing the litmus test
Public sector managers fear rocking the boat and making decisions independently.

Changing face of e-government
Universal connectivity will ensure that governments of the future do things differently to the governments of today.

procurement
Protecting the principle
The Australian public sector should learn the legal principles that created the process contract.

parks & streetscapes
Reclaiming the laneways
Melbourne is strengthening planning controls in a bit to protect the city's world-class laneways from overdevelopment

Street credibility
Artist Terrance Plowright discussed the rise of public art.

smart office
IT bringing better results
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council and the challenges of a new IT system.




Qld's remote controlled council
Managing from a distance at Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

buyers guide
New products.

last word
Turning compliance into business success
Queensland councils and the challenge of sustainability.


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