New warning on outsourced advice

Governments’ heavy reliance on reports from commercial consultants can have “pernicious effects” on policy making, a new analysis says.

21 February, 2019

Smart cities: councils enter ‘action’ phase

Australian local government is increasingly mature in its approach to smart cities, says report.

20 February, 2019

Sector digital ‘blindspots’ persist

Governments are aware of the importance of data for improving service yet data sharing remains patchy, survey suggests.

18 February, 2019

Neighbour nightmares: chatbots to help defuse disputes

Frontline agencies, developers and mediators informed department’s two chatbots that aim to provide information around neighbourhood tensions.

14 February, 2019

New tools in bid to tackle drowning toll

Lifeguards on several NSW beaches will soon have access to detailed condition reports as part of a world-first beach safety initiative.

12 February, 2019

Streamline digital procurement, government told

Australia’s digital industry says ICT procurement processes still have a tendency to ‘replicate paper-based processes.’

11 February, 2019

Planning expert’s call for cities rethink

Conventional approaches won’t solve our infrastructure and transport woes, warns former senior administrator Peter Seamer.

11 February, 2019

Rates and compliance reviews stay buried

NSW Government refuses to release key reports into local government, claiming the documents are exempt under the state’s information law.

7 February, 2019

‘Inconsistencies’ in council CEO pay, management

Councils in Victoria need legislated chief executive remuneration policies, with changes to go to full council, inspector says.

6 February, 2019

Ombudsman to probe council complaints

Survey will assess how local government handles, resolves and records complaints from the public.

5 February, 2019

Engagement hindered by ‘technocratic’ approaches

Institutional and cultural factors are preventing public utilities from greater collaboration with indigenous communities.

4 February, 2019

Council’s social procurement recognised

Efforts to contract disability organisations are providing regular work for people living with disability while delivering efficiencies for service delivery.

28 January, 2019

Don’t ‘spray and pray’ on social media

Facebook and Instagram can help councillors ‘build a tribe,’ says an advisor to councils who outlines steps for success.  

28 January, 2019

Volunteers help authority deliver experience

A tailor-made management system and a suite of programs are helping Parks Victoria manage its 20,000 volunteers.

24 January, 2019