Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

With women woefully underrepresented in local government nationwide, several councillors have begun to speak out about what it means to be often the only female in regional chambers.

Manager's congress talks ways to trim and boost public work

Today is day two of a conference bringing local and state government workers together to improve the efforts of both.

Mineral minstrels set out to forge new metal fans

A band of roaming metallurgists will visit some of Australia’s most remote schools, burning things, blowing them up and getting students excited about mineral science.

Palmer's political weight grows with new notches on belt

The Palmer United Party has matured from a political curiosity into a proper powerhouse, picking up new members and continuing to annoy the established factions.

Port sale ships funds out of Newcastle

The world's biggest coal port has been sold for $1.75 billion, but residents of the city it serves may have been short-changed.

Rental rates win pleases local investors

A Supreme Court ruling has stopped one council from increasing rates on rental owners, which several other regions have already done.

New map puts big water data online

The divining rod has been replaced by a digital equivalent, with the launch of an internet database for groundwater monitoring.

Minister looks to QLD for remote success

The Northern Territory Education Minister has toured a number of remote schools in Queensland to learn about a new education strategy.

Gas campers given council boot

Anti-gas protestors have been allowed temporary camping privileges at the site of their stand-off with Metgasco drills in New South Wales, but the local council says their time is up.

Inkling of cuts and increases ahead of actual word

The Federal Treasurer says further increases to the pension age are inevitable, and that people should “work as long as they can”.

Native deal clears path for new port

A native title agreement has been signed to allow deepwater port to go-ahead in WA.

No court needed after council and union sit-down

A Victorian council and a workers’ union have come to an agreement which will keep them both from wasting time and money on a legal dispute.

Rural region looks for better and brighter booze options

Shire of Halls Creek says its liquor restrictions are not working and has urged the Parliament to think about a change.

Study says Perth amalgamation may not deliver

Studies have suggested that false economies are being created to argue in favour of Perth’s local government amalgamation.

Towns wait for word from new NSW Minister

A shake-up in the wake of former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell’s resignation last week has left the state with a new Local Government Minister, and stimulated concern as to how he will manage broad council reforms.

Small relief triggers big dump

One US city has dumped millions of litres of drinking water after a local teenager was spotted urinating in the supply.

Eyes on profits prior to power pole sale

A plan to sell one state’s power poles and cables has already prompted parties to claim a share of the hypothetical profits.

Local health projects tremble under cost-cutting axe

Reports today say some Medicare Local executives have been warned that the Federal Government plans to shut down the current system.

City considers begging ban to help homeless

The City of Perth is looking at bringing back laws to make begging a crime, as numbers on the street increase.

Funds flow after feisty Ita floods

State, federal and local government authorities have toured cyclone-hit regions of north Queensland in the wake of the weekend deluge, with funding packages announced and rolling-out for thousands of residents.