Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

Queensland schools will have to prove they are improving to secure federal funds.

All interest and no action as farm fight looms

The National Farmers’ Federation says it wants consumers to pay the right price, but does not want government to decide what that might be.

Blame passed as smoking rate lights up issues

The Cancer Council says more should be done to reduce smoking rates in Australia’s most addicted state.

Darwin asks what riders would like for their bikes

An online survey is seeking the views of bicyclists in the Northern Territory, in order to inform the construction of a biking network.

Debt figures in the trillions across red regions

While many Australian councils are quite strapped for cash, a push for transparency in China has revealed trillions in local government debt.

Green digs set the bar as WALGA moves in

The WA Local Government Association has moved into the “greenest of green” new place of business, saying it hopes to set the standard for others to follow.

Local protections prompt false gas claims

Some authorities have accused Australian gas companies of cooking up a domestic gas crisis to pressure governments for more approvals.

Minister says trusting charities is cheaper

The Federal Government is toying with the idea of removing regulation for charities and not-for-profits, hoping to hold them accountable through guilt instead of law.

More work needed on Newstart renovation

An opposition spokesperson has warned an expanded work-for-the-dole program will probably not fix unemployment.

Public service honour for head of rolling river changes

One of the key figures behind implementation of water policy in the Murray-Darling Basin has been awarded for her efforts.

Talks on water changes go ahead with no delay

The Victorian Government is talking to residents about their wishes for the state’s water plan, but many who want a say think the talks should be delayed.

Top end trainees to take charge of their backyards

A new program will take trainees across land and sea to learn how to care for both environments.

Truss interrupts course toward new dam

There may be no federal money for the proposed Needles Gap dam.

Illegal industrial deals revealed

Reports by multiple Australian media outlets have shown a high level of corruption in construction, with several unions accused of handing lucrative contracts to criminals.

Small power firms want price control in ACT

Some of the smaller players in the ACT electricity market want prices adjusted to improve competition.

Vocal outrage brings arrest, no stopping at Maules Creek

Nearly a dozen people have been arrested while protesting at a mine site in New South Wales.

Excellent numbers rain on fertile academic grounds

Almost $74 million will be spent on three new national Centres of Excellence led by Monash University.

Terms released for mums' funding bundle of joy

The Federal Government has released details some have been waiting to see since before the election – the Paid Parental Leave Scheme spruiked heavily by Tony Abbott and the Coalition.

Class for Councillors to better grasp broad roles

A course is on in New South Wales which hopes to breed a generation of better councillors and local government leaders.

Debt calls rain on Premier's head alone

Rapid erosion of South Australia’s economy has fallen squarely on the shoulders of the state’s Premier and Treasurer, which happen to be the same person.