Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - February, 2015
SA Council CEO’s are paid more every year, but a new report shows the rate of their rises is decreasing.
Decades of neglect in bureaucratic boys' club
Ninety-five years ago, Australian Public Service bosses realised equal rights for women would transform the bureaucracy, and it was up to them to stop it.
Rate plan slammed for future job losses
Municipal associations in Victoria say they must be allowed to raise rates beyond the level of inflation, or jobs and services will be at risk.
Study counts Councils' cost of ignoring climate
Australian councils are struggling to meet the high cost of replacing infrastructure to meet extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods according to a local researcher.
Stunning study says good choices save money
A new report says Australian governments could save billions by buying smarter.
Power costs add to stream of farm worries
The National Irrigators Council (NIC) wants to stop electricity price rises for farmers.
Welfare remix seeks big cuts
Children must be vaccinated for their parents to receive welfare benefits, under reforms proposed for Australia’s $150 billion welfare system.
Coal counted in resourceful community
A joint report from 28 different medical groups says the annual health bill from the Hunter Valley coal industry is in the hundreds of millions.
ACT pushes back on public housing protection
The ACT Government wants to knock down and rebuild Canberra public housing, but has hit a hitch.
Conference and comms firm loses footing
An Australian publisher and conference provider with ties to the local government sector has entered voluntary administration.
Councils concede state pick
The Local Government Association of Queensland says it is ready to work with the new Queensland government.
Tagging test for repeat non-recyclers
One council in Western Australia is taking a hard-line approach to recycling.
Videos depict sticky situations
Tasmania’s Local Government Division and the Integrity Commission have joined the Local Government Association of Tasmania to produce training videos for the tricky situations councillors sometimes find themselves in.
Data on young struggles reflects harsh lives
A new report shows just how hard is for Australia’s homeless youth.
Farmers want new GABSI focus
With a new government in place, Western Queenslanders want to put the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI) back on the agenda.
Mine lobby wants protesters to pay
A NSW mining lobby wants charity status removed from protest groups that fight to interrupt industries in the name of conservation.
Gold jobs risked by royalty hike
Internal tensions are being stirred in the WA Government over whether to change the state’s gold royalty rates.
Barnett bails as state stays fractured
Forcing Perth councils to merge has become too difficult for WA Premier Colin Barnett, so he’s given up.
Local Gov makes new bid for grants
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has continued its ardent push to stop money being taken away from councils.
Public push for private sector compassion
New South Wales wants more private money in its public programmes.