Warning for councils on CCTV data risks

A privacy expert is calling for a national review by councils of the public safety benefits of CCTV cameras after an audit found surveillance data were vulnerable to privacy breaches.  

5 October, 2018

New gender council has local government in its sights

Independent body set to partner with councils to help get more women into elected and executive roles.

20 September, 2018

Next federal election will be fought ‘on local issues,’ say councils

Partnerships with local governments and an overhaul of funding are among 12 ways parties can deliver for local communities, according to a new campaign. 

18 September, 2018

Councils welcome streamlined grants

A shake-up of the council grants system by the Queensland Government will streamline funding in line with key state priorities. 

17 September, 2018

Bullying endemic in councils, Fair Work turns staff away

There are calls for reform of a legal loophole that sees council staff affected by bullying denied access to the Fair Work Commission.

11 September, 2018

Councils becoming active on housing: survey

More than half of local governments have a housing strategy or plan, according to new research that “challenges many preconceptions” around the role of councils in the area.

10 September, 2018

Waste industry calls for tax shake-up on recyclables

As the Commonwealth works on a new national waste policy there is growing pressure for Australia to follow France’s lead and lower tax rates on recycled materials.

30 August, 2018

Model sets higher bar for digital local government

Councils would dramatically ramp up their e-government efforts by adopting a multichannel approach and working closer with third parties under a proposed framework.

28 August, 2018

Bridge collapses ‘likely’ as infrastructure decay worsens

A Genoa-style infrastructure failure will happen if governments continue to neglect Australia’s ageing bridges, engineer warns.

28 August, 2018

Council CEOs ‘hung out to dry’ on stress burden

Financial constraints and rising expectations are impacting the mental wellbeing of councils’ most senior managers, with the issue now set to be investigated in new research.

24 August, 2018

The crisis lurking in Australia’s stormwater drains

As plastic pollution in oceans worsens, an expert is calling on councils to rethink how they manage stormwater drains to prevent plastics from entering waterways.

13 August, 2018

Councils offer aid to drought-stricken farmers

Councils in states worst affected by drought are providing support and aid to affected farmers and communities in the wake of one of the worst dry seasons in decades.

9 August, 2018

Local governments in South Australia oppose rate capping

All but two of South Australia’s councils have opposed the state’s rate capping legislation, prompting speculation the plan is destined for failure.

6 August, 2018

Councils change organisational structures to meet demands

Local government managers should create environments that promote risk-taking and innovation, new research finds.

6 August, 2018