Council let out of naughty corner

Failings in governance and culture at West Wimmera Shire Council have largely been addressed, the Victorian watchdog says.

30 March, 2023

Former mayor suspended over conflict of interest

A former Victorian mayor has been suspended for two months for failing to disclose a conflict relating to a planning application.

17 February, 2023

Conflicts of interest dominate allegations against councils

One in three allegations investigated by Victoria’s local government watchdog over the last year were about conflicts of interest.

9 February, 2023

109 Vic council candidates rapped for failing to declare

Victoria’s local government regulator has warned 109 candidates who failed to submit campaign donation returns after council elections.

14 March, 2022

Real estate agents caught voting for foreign landlords

Real estate agents have been warned after voting in a council election on behalf of international property owners.

24 February, 2022

New guidelines for Victorian councils

Victoria’s local government watchdog has released new guidelines to help councils comply with state legislation.

17 February, 2022

Councillors not completing personal interest returns adequately

A review of Victorian councillors has found half aren’t completing personal interest returns in accordance with legislated requirements.

1 November, 2021

Council watchdog sees rise in vexatious complaints

Unreasonable and vexatious complaints to Victoria’s local government watchdog are going up, the chief municipal inspector says.

27 August, 2021

Complaints about Victorian local govt elections soar

Complaints about council elections are increasing – is social media to blame?

7 June, 2021

Video urges Victorians to report corruption in local government

Victoria’s anti-corruption bodies have made it easier to dob in dodgy council behaviour.

5 October, 2020

Councillors cry poor over allowances

Sixty per cent of Victorian councillors don’t think they get paid enough.

21 September, 2020

Integrity report critical of council

Victoria’s local government watchdog has investigated claims council staff sold off assets.

21 November, 2019

Watchdog receives record number of complaints

Victoria’s council watchdog has received its highest number of complaints for a non-election year.

22 September, 2019

Information leaks concern watchdog

Allegations of councillors leaking information for personal or political reasons are on the rise.

1 July, 2019