Amalgamation anger lingers ahead of NSW election

A public policy expert says public discontent from forced council mergers remains a key issue for the NSW election.

19 March, 2019

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

Council mergers ‘failed to yield the benefits’

Contrary to typical arguments in favour of local government amalgamation, a new analysis says the changes did not lead to efficiencies. 

4 February, 2019

Why some councils steer clear of cooperation

Researchers are examining the reasons why some NSW councils have decided not to participate in joint organisations. 

12 November, 2018

NSW councils fork out for forced mergers as government funding dries up

Councils could petition Berejiklian for shortfall.

16 June, 2017

Crowdfunded council de-merger campaign starts strong

Residents fight NSW government on mergers.

31 May, 2017

Residents clamour for NSW council deamalgamation after recent court wins

Randwick Council’s late legal challenge.

18 May, 2017

Merged NSW council outsources rubbish and recycling before councillors elected

Union and ex-mayor enter fray.

4 May, 2017

Woollahra Council set for High Court showdown with Berejiklian over merger

Residents could take up the fight if council loses.

2 May, 2017

Bookies shorten odds for independent to win North Shore by-election

Will the Libs topple in leafy la-la land?

7 April, 2017

Merged Sydney council rebrands itself as the place “where interesting happens”

Hits back at critics it’s boring.

4 April, 2017

Ku-ring-gai Council wins merger appeal, awarded costs

Berejiklian on the ropes over KPMG report.

27 March, 2017

Council merger protestor to contest Skinner’s North Shore seat

Could Orange by-election shock repeat itself?

6 March, 2017

Forced council mergers: How the NSW government got it so wrong

A litany of failures.

16 February, 2017