Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
Suggestions have been tabled which could see governments hacking away at their health budgets and waistlines – with some better planning practices.
Site to save smartphone mistakes, regret and danger
The number of Australian teens using their smartphones to access the internet has shot up over the last few years, but unfortunately so has the rate at which embarrassing photos and videos are ending up online.
Sydney suburbs' cyber spree brings awards, benefits online
A Sydney suburb has been awarded for its movements toward online business and lifestyles, and celebrated for stepping beyond the traditional boundaries of bricks and mortar.
Boom enters calmer phase, some look for new fields
A key government authority has said for the first time that the resources boom is winding down, at the same time as a new study says most Australians did not benefit from it.
Funding pull leaves drug body doors closed
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) has placed itself in voluntary administration, after its funding was removed in a Federal Government attempt to save $1.5 million.
Greens push to button-down back door
A member of the New South Wales Legislative Council says a loophole exists allowing unlimited amounts of money to be donated to candidates in local government elections, asking the Government to close “the backdoor”.
Local vote money paid back, issue still stands
The referendum to recognise local government remains in a coma, but councils which paid into the Australian Local Government Association's (ALGA) bid for the vote will now be paid back.
MP pledges to put sluggish councils on the spot
A Victorian MP says if he is successful in an upcoming election, he will put the performance of the state’s local governments under close scrutiny.
Poor state of mental care means prison for the ill
The National Mental Health Commission says inadequate support is condemning mentally ill Australians to prison, because they cannot be cared for in the community.
Regional reps' paper to plug outback benefits
The South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC) is putting the final touches on its official election materials, aimed at ensuring regional areas are not neglected by candidates in the upcoming state election.
VCAT finds against pseudo-syndrome
A 16-turbine wind farm will be built against the wishes of some residents, with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruling that wind farms do not cause health problems.
Study seeks to unpick conflicts, cut to core of land issues
A new project has been launched to find out exactly how the values of people in rural areas are affected by land use conflicts caused by CSG drilling, wind farms, irrigation and agriculture.
Twin spills spark nasty clean-up, closures
The Gold Coast City Council may need some extra toilet training, after raw sewerage was accidentally spilled twice in less than a week.
Unions look for careful planning in visa reform
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has proposed a re-assessment of certain visa rules, in an effort to help the very youngest members of the workforce.
Union won't see road safety scrapped
The national secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union says the Federal Government plans to close the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, showing contempt for the hundreds of families affected by transport industry road deaths, and callous disregard for the many pressures that drivers face.
Paid parental change hands the bag to Centrelink
Legislation has been put before the House of Representatives which is intended to make it easier for business to work within the paid parental leave scheme.
Coastal title claim covers ten councils
Councils are considering a native title claim which would see stewardship transferred for a large portion of Australia’s east coast.
Higher tier called to swoop in and save roads
A study commissioned by the Australian Local Government Association says local councils around the country are underfunding the maintenance of their roads.
Infrastructure body shifted as QLD councils learn the trade
Queensland councils have taken hold of the reins on the state’s infrastructure and engineering advisory service.
Mayor speaks on life after CQLGA
The Mayor of Rockhampton has confirmed her belief that something will replace the Central Queensland Local Government Association (CQLGA), but it is not clear just what that will be.
Miners say they pay the bills, even without MRRT boosts
As the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) is collapsed by the Government’s repeal bill, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has launched a report claiming it contributes billions to local communities regardless of the tax.