Federal Budget 2018: a state-by-state spending analysis

Government and public policy experts provide a state-by-state analysis of Budget 2018-19, handed down last night by Treasurer Scott Morrison. 

8 May, 2018

Councils swoop on solutions to flying-fox woes

Rapidly growing flying-fox colonies in urban areas are causing grief for councils across NSW but state support for long-term resettlement of habitats could offer a solution.

7 May, 2018

Asset management: are we on the right road?

Our data suggests a quarter of NSW councils are yet to develop asset management systems that would help them respond to the roads infrastructure backlog, says Annalisa Haskell.

23 April, 2018

‘Backed into a corner’ on recycling: Ipswich

Australia’s environment ministers are under pressure to agree on a national response to the worsening recycling crisis as a Queensland council stops recycling.

20 April, 2018

New body to coordinate natural disaster recovery

New national resilience taskforce welcomed but councils seek federal mitigation program to fund local recovery.

17 April, 2018

Concern for council powers in EPA shake-up

In a move criticised as weakening councils’ ability to challenge environmentally destructive logging, the NSW Government will transfer some of the EPA’s responsibilities for protecting native vegetation.

13 April, 2018

Noticeboard: new chair, directors for Destination NSW

Also in this wrap: LGA Tasmania reappoints Katrena Stephenson as CEO; Nick Mitzevich appointed director of the National Gallery; and Donald Cant Watts Corke appoints Michael Chant as a director.

13 April, 2018

Social enterprises an untapped partner for councils: analysis

Research shows social procurement could enable local government to achieve efficiencies while helping community enterprises realise goals.

12 April, 2018

Data shines light on workforce trends in local government

With 420 councils employing more than half their workforce locally, Australian local government makes a significant contributor to national productivity and quality of life, an analysis shows.

5 April, 2018

Noticeboard: new secretary for NSW Department of Industry

Also in this wrap: Waverley Council appoints Ross McLeod as general manager; Canberra Town Planners appoint Nichelle Jackson and Elizabeth Slapp as associate directors.

26 March, 2018

Cities globally ‘need to talk’ about their issues

Metropolitan Australia isn’t alone in facing challenges like population growth and climate change and could learn from other cities, an international expert tells Government News.

22 March, 2018

Councils, industry call for national waste and recycling plan  

Local government is scrambling to avoid a “recycling crisis” as China clamps down on accepting foreign waste, which threatens to derail councils’ collection of kerbside recycling, a parliamentary inquiry has been told.

19 March, 2018

Operation Belcarra claims Queensland electoral commissioner

Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) head Walter van der Merwe has resigned, two days after being suspended for allegations of serious misconduct. Current ECQ Assistant Electoral Commissioner Dermot Tiernan will be Acting Electoral Commissioner. In a short statement, Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said Mr van der Merwe “has delivered his resignation to the Governor this […]

15 February, 2018

Local Government Super wins environmental awards

Local Government Super (LGS), the industry superannuation fund for NSW local government employees, has won two environmental awards for its property portfolio. It has been awarded a 5-Star Green Star rating for its entire direct property portfolio – the first portfolio in Australia to achieve the rating. It has also been named Australia’s ‘Best Green […]

11 February, 2018