Local Government News Roundup

Chris Eddy
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Australia’s no.1 podcast for local government news and views, hosted by veteran media presenter and senior executive Chris Eddy. Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.

  1. 1D AGO

    Public shaming, demolition and decommissioning, and a mayoral exodus - #587

    Send us Fan Mail Today on the Roundup: More pressure on Wyndham’s mayorMoyne councillors make a difficult decisionHistoric saleyards to be decommissioned in CamperdownA witness breaks down on the stand at the Parramatta ICAC InquiryCouncils’ Rex Airline debt bailed out by the governmentA bid to increase short stay accommodation rates fails in HobartA mayoral exodus in South Australia, as one departing mayor takes aim at governments and peak bodiesAnd much more local government news from across Australia and beyond Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    24 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Blurred lines, voting fraud, and a surveillance culture - #586

    Send us Fan Mail On the Local Government News Roundup today: No end in sight for Wyndham’s mayoral sagaCouncillors slam an MP’s blurring of “fact and fiction”Voting fraud claims rock Whittlesea by‑electionGlen Eira wins higher rates riseICAC’s Parramatta inquiry alleges a fear, surveillance cultureCouncil CEO comings and goings in five statesRedland’s governance advisor term extendedLaunceston slams the AFL’s Hawthorn exit decisionMajor reforms loom as Perth’s council is slammed for its diabolical cultureMandurah councillor resignation triggers public warPlus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    28 min
  3. Special Edition: Local Government's Perfect Storm, with Rum Charles

    6D AGO ·  BONUS

    Special Edition: Local Government's Perfect Storm, with Rum Charles

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Rum Charles, a veteran consultant and trainer who has worked with over 100 councils across Australia. With a career in the sector dating back to the mid-90s, Rum brings a candid and sometimes provocative perspective on the internal cultures of local government. Prompted by his recent analysis of a "perfect storm" approaching the sector, we dive into the systemic challenges facing councils today. From the "switchboard mentality" that hinders modern customer experience to the existential risks of an aging workforce and a billion-dollar shortfall in rate collection, Rum outlines why he believes the sector is at a critical crossroads.  Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    35 min
  4. Special Edition - the ABCD and Beyond of Local Government

    MAY 19 ·  BONUS

    Special Edition - the ABCD and Beyond of Local Government

    Send us Fan Mail Today on Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Fiona Miller and Lee Griffiths, the authors of ABCD and Beyond: A Practical Guide for Local Government, published by the Jeder Institute. This book has arrived at a time when councils are being asked to respond to complex, fast-moving challenges while also rebuilding trust, strengthening community relationships, and demonstrating clear public value. The book brings together practice stories and plain language from councils across Australia to show what it looks like when local government shifts from delivering to convening, from consulting to collaborating, and from managing risk to learning alongside communities. In this conversation, we will explore what Asset Based Community Development means in day-to-day council work, how strengths-based thinking changes leadership and governance, and what practical first steps teams can take to embed these ideas in engagement, planning, and decision-making. Find out more about ABCD and Beyond here Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    29 min
  5. Special Edition: Community Safety and Crime Prevention, with Martin Taylor

    MAY 17 ·  BONUS

    Special Edition: Community Safety and Crime Prevention, with Martin Taylor

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Local Government News Roundup, we are joined by Martin Taylor, a barrister, solicitor, and councillor at the City of Whittlesea. A prolific author on the intersection of law and public policy, Martin has recently published a comprehensive two-volume set on environmental crime alongside a new, vital guide to community safety and crime prevention. Drawing on his background in civil engineering and law, Martin discusses the urgent need for target hardening and the role of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in our neighbourhoods. From the shifting landscape of illegal rubbish dumping to the emerging threats of youth gang violence and online identity theft, we explore the practical, small-scale actions every citizen can take to minimise their risk and the systemic changes required to protect our communities. Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    29 min
  6. Special Edition: Councils on the Frontline of the Homelessness Crisis

    MAY 14 ·  BONUS

    Special Edition: Councils on the Frontline of the Homelessness Crisis

    Send us Fan Mail Today we are joined by Andrew Clarke, a senior lecturer in sociology and social policy at the University of New South Wales, to discuss a timely and critical new study examining how Australian local governments are navigating the escalating homelessness crisis. While homelessness has traditionally been viewed as a state or federal responsibility, Andrew’s research reveals that councils are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines as de facto service coordinators. We explore the findings from a national survey of over 160 councils, which shows that two-thirds of local governments now report homelessness as a significant issue in their communities—a massive jump from just 10% a decade ago. From the role of librarians and park rangers as early "surveillance" points to the political pressures of managing public spaces, we unpack the "wicked problem" facing local leaders today. Links: UNSW Newsroom Release: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/05/australian-councils-stretched-by-homelessness-crisis-new-unsw-study-finds Access the full report: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajs4.70114 Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    21 min

  7. MAY 12

    Pink Ops clique, a stunning backflip, and unnecessary secrecy - #585

    Send us Fan Mail Coming up today:  A mixed bag for councils in the Federal BudgetICAC probes a Pink Ops clique at Parramatta CouncilA Queensland mayor goes on medical leaveAn urgent call for funding reform from a rural councilA new study reveals the pressures on councils to respond to a homelessness crisisDomestic violence charges dropped against a local mayorAnd another South Australian CEO set to resign Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    30 min

  8. MAY 10

    Inquiry begins, police snub rejected, and a seismic shift in local politics - #584

    Send us Fan Mail Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup: ICAC Parramatta Council inquiry opens todayYarra Council reportedly set to drop a controversial bike planA seismic shift in local politics in EnglandA local mayor rejects police snub claimsMurrumbidgee expands consultation on its four day work planNew housing infrastructure funding welcomedA cyclist loses a damages case against Brisbane City Council Support the show The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development - smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website. Support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

    20 min
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About

Australia’s no.1 podcast for local government news and views, hosted by veteran media presenter and senior executive Chris Eddy. Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Eddy
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Local Government News Roundup
  • Show Website
    Local Government News Roundup

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