As we look back on some of the big issues of the last year, we revisit this discussion between Chris Eddy and CEO of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) in the UK, Jonathan Carr-West. Chris and Jonathan look at LGIU research into the financial sustainability of the local government sector in the UK and similarities with the Victorian secto…

As we draw closer to the end of this council term, Chris Eddy, Kathryn Arndt and Rhys Thomas reflect on the last four years and the issues which shaped local government. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here. If you'd like to contact us…

This week, we look back at an interview with Deputy Commissioner at IBAC, David Wolf. David and Chris look at the risks associated with donations and lobbying in local government elections. In the lead up to the election period we revisit this issue, and much more. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by t…

Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human right, but the housing crisis is growing globally. With increasing cost pressures, and population growing faster than build times, what can local government do to address the crisis? This panel looks at barriers to housing accessibility, development, the role of all levels of government to work…

This week, we look back at a conversation between Chris Eddy and the (then) newly elected Victorian Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel. Chris and Sven discuss Sven’s career journey, from Victorian Information Commissioner to Victorian Electoral Commissioner, and consider the intensive work that was undertaken to prepare for this year’s local gov…

Today on TGU, the panel looks at an exciting new waste to energy project; Reaction to the government’s latest housing plans Concerns over a rental agreement in Yarra and the use of parking sensors in Maribyrnong; A Melbourne Council CEO is moving on A new program to address workforce shortages in local government, and a campaign to encourage more p…

This week, the TGU panel looks at a surprise move to ban hired e-scooters in Melbourne; a councillor resignation preceding an arbiter misconduct ruling; a municipal monitor for Horsham; a high five commotion in Yarra Ranges; interesting Notices of Motion from the past week; an innovative housing project; an interesting FOI decision; a monumental no…

In what has been a heartbreaking week for the local government sector, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the latest in the sector in this week's TGU. This week, the devastating passing of two sitting councillors, a new model Code of Conduct is out for consultation, a contentious heritage proposal raises temperatures at Boroondara Counc…

This week on TGU, Greater Geelong Council CEO Ali Wastie makes a stand in court against gendered abuse; A call for more resourcing for the Local Government Inspectorate; An extension of the term for municipal monitors at Moonee Valley, while the Minister rejects a call for a monitor at Northern Grampians; A CEO defends the editing of a council meet…

Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Tony Raunic return to brighten your Friday with the latest in local government news! This week the panel discuss, the first Victorian council to open briefing sessions to the public, the cost of asbestos clean up across parks in Hobsons Bay revealed, a councillor wants a municipal monitor appointed, e-scooters here to sta…

Today, the sector mourns the passing of a local government legend; a likely suspension looms for Liverpool Council as a public inquiry is announced; a misconduct finding against a councillor at Port Phillip; the on-again, off-again filming of The Block in Daylesford is back on; And a controversy over a proposal to change a council’s Acknowledgement…

The TGU team return with the latest in this week's local government news. This week, another municipal monitor appointed to a Victorian council, an interstate Council CEO appointment with a Victorian and sporting connection, Melbourne Councils in the news over flood modelling and climate emergency planning, the rise of abusive behaviour towards ele…

On TGU this week, the panel unpacks recent conduct decisions at Brimbank City Council; a former councillor avoids a jail sentence; a long term councillor resigns and a high profile CEO announces retirement; councils cracking down on an unsafe EV charging practice; and the mayor locked out of town hall for 3 and a half years. Plus Rhys Thomas update…

On TGU today, Melbourne has a new Lord Mayor; Melbourne’s west mayors react to the Airport Rail Link mediation outcome Concerns over Suburban Rail Loop planning, and integrity issues raised at two Melbourne councils We’ve had a Council CEO resignation this week And Townsville’s embattled mayor was back at work this week, reigniting calls for his re…

This week, on TGU Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Nick Miller chat about the new Victorian Government conduct reforms made law, draft housing targets for all Victorian councils announced, Port Phillip, Yarra, Greater Geelong councils in the news, Community Satisfaction Survey results released and a 1 metre long ballot paper for a by-election in Canada. …

This week the TGU panel discusses recent media reports about interventions at Victorian councils; local government elections targeted by more extremist candidates; Merri-bek Council’s proposal to double rates for landlords; a new Chair Administrator and a long term councillor to step aside; the council ordered to return $36M to the government; and …

This week co-hosts Simone and Freya are discussing what it takes to be a councillor, the expectations, the risks, the rewards, and everything in between. They share snippets and insights from first-hand accounts gained from recent interviews with Cllr Award 2023 winners along with councillors from all over the world. Plus, Cllr Euan Jardine from Sc…

Join the TGU team for a look at the week’s local government news, including a councillor suspension for serious misconduct; governance concerns at Brimbank; a coffee van row prompts calls for the amalgamation of Queenscliffe borough; the return of a merry Christmas at Stonnington; an update on the passage of conduct reforms through Parliament; and …

Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by Nick Miller from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers for this week’s panel discussion on the week’s local government news, including new legislation, wards boundaries, an arbiter decision, housing challenges, planning winners and much more. Plus, introducing a new segment with Rhys Thomas reporting on the latest important ha…

On TGU this week, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, the panel discusses the latest council concerns about funding for state-owned roads; a mayor puts pressure on Melbourne Airport and the government to get serious about an airport rail link; permanent and interim CEO appointments announced; wicked housing problems and collapsing roads; and the neig…

This week, co-hosts Simone and Freya are discussing elections! They cover the aftermath of the English local elections, the campaign for equality in Ireland's upcoming local elections, and, of course, the big announcement of the UK general election on July 4th and what it means for local government. Joining them to get into all the details is LGIU'…

This week the TGU panel looks at sector reaction to the Federal Budget; concerns of a massive loss of open space from the state government’s Big Build; a council’s wicked housing problem; the overturning of Cumberland’s controversial library book ban; a capital city mayor takes issue with her own council’s decision; and much more of the week’s loca…

On TGU this week, the panel looks at sector reaction to the Victorian State Budget; yet another Council has a monitor installed; CEO announcements; waste collection dilemmas; a council’s controversial library book ban creates backlash; turning off Facebook comments; and Jeremy Clarkson upsets his local council again. Support the show To learn more …

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the LGIU's Global Local newsletter, from its beginnings to how it's grown, and what it represents as part of LGIU's vision for the future of local government everywhere. In the news segment, the stories include innovation using old tyres in road construction, modernising processes with digital …

This week the TGU panel discusses new governance and integrity measures for local government in Victoria; the appointment of municipal monitors to Darebin City Council; plans to remove council planning powers if they don’t meet housing targets; and much more of the week’s local government news. TGU from VLGA Connect is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawy…

This week’s TGU panel discussions looks a sexist newspaper cartoon about a female Council CEO; Ballarat Council’s rejection of a policy on formal positions; the challenges of national standardisation of kerbside bins; falling levels of public trust in government in the UK; a council’s warning about Brazilian Butt Lifts and more! Sponsored by Hunt &…

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the LGIU's Global Local Executive Panel series. They are joined by Head of International Operations, Hannah Muirhead, to talk about the panel series' inception back during Covid, the overwhelmingly positive response it has received over the years, and the future ambitions for the panels. In the…

This week, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic are joined on the TGU panel by Kendrea Pope to discuss the week’s local government news, including: The release of the municipal monitors’ report for Glenelg Shire Council A councillor under fire for an appearance at a pro-Palestine rally More parks closed due to asbestos contamination CEOs and GMs caught up in…

The TGU panel this week looks at the latest appointment of municipal monitors to the City of Greater Geelong. Plus more suburban parks closed after the discovery of asbestos; a council to stop maintaining state government assets in a push back against cost-shifting; the call for an overhaul of disaster recovery funding to councils; and much more on…

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss all things local elections. Dr Andrew Walker joins them to chat about the release of LGIU's highly anticipated Ones to Watch guide for elections in England, which highlights some of the biggest battlegrounds to watch out for. Plus, the team chats about the value and importance of participating …

Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect Local Leaders today is the Mayor of Kingston City Council, Cr Jenna Davey-Burns. Hear about Cr Davey-Burns' journey to local government leadership, her dedication as a foster carer, her commitment to fostering positive relationships with other levels of government, and her thoughts on how to tackle the rising inci…

The TGU team is back and taking a walk down memory lane as the sector marks 30 years since the amalgamation of Victorian councils. Also this week, new Council CEOs appointed, another resigns, a rescission motion is lost, and a council Facebook page disappears. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Vi…

In this new episode, co-hosts Simone and Freya shine the spotlight on the LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre. Joining them to share all the details about the Centre's inception, current work and future ambitions is Dr. Andrew Walker and Dr. Greg Stride. From passion projects to the practical application of research in the local government secto…

On TGU this week, the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne announces her departure; a Council CEO moving on to a new role; a new Chair appointed to the Local Government Grants Commission; Geelong returns to the G21 fold; and much more local government news to discuss on the TGU panel. Plus a bonus interview special with Tony Raunic and Scott Hodges.…

On TGU this week, reflections on AI risk management for councils; the state government responds to Operation Sandon and releases new green wedge management plans; a new inquiry announced into the sustainability of local government and much more. Brought to you by the VLGA and Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Story list with links in Transcript Support the show…

On TGU this week, a new conduct finding leads to another councillor suspension; a place naming policy becomes controversial in regional Victoria; Yarra’s push to charge owners of large vehicles higher parking fees; Warrnambool expresses its concerns after offshore wind farm announcement; a new mayoral advisory panel announced; and much more includi…

In this episode of “What’s New at LGIU”, co-hosts Simone and Freya discuss the launch of the annual Cllr Awards, celebrating the hard work of councillors who are advocating for and making a big impact on their communities. Simone shares details about the nomination process, the five award categories, and past winners. They also talk about the Globa…

Welcome to the 8th March edition of TGU The Governance Update with the ‘A Team’ of Julie Reid and Tony Raunic, joined this week again by Steve Cooper. TGU is proudly presented by the Victorian Local Governance Association. On this International Women’s Day the Panel discussed the VLGA Event on 5 March to release the 2023 findings of the ARC Linkage…

Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect from London is Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), to discuss a stark new report on the financial state of the UK local government sector. With a number of UK councils having already declared effective bankruptcy, and more likely to follow, Jonathan reveals the reas…

This week, with Chris Eddy away on a mystery international assignment, regular panellists Julie Reid and Tony Raunic are joined by Steve Cooper to dissect the week’s local government news. The panel discuss the mooted local government conduct changes, VEC ward boundary reviews, emergency management, vandalism of public art, a contentious planning a…

This week, the big story at LGIU is the results of our 2024 State of Local Government Finance survey in England, which has gained vast attention across the sector and the media. Joining the podcast to tell us all about the surprising results and the wider response so far is Dr Greg Stride, from the LGIU's Local Democracy Research Centre. During our…

The TGU panel dissects the week’s local government news, including a tweak to existing use rights in Victorian planning schemes; more meetings disrupted over ceasefire calls; a council clean up initiative rubbished in the media; a councillor’s call for a charge on dog waste bags; and councils on the frontline of recovery efforts after more storms a…

VLGA Connect's popular Local Leaders is back for a new season in 2024. First up this year is the four-term Mayor of Horsham Rural City Council, Cr Robyn Gulline, who shares with Chris Eddy her approach to the role as a first-term councillor, thoughts of dealing with conduct issues across the sector, local challenges and future plans. Support the sh…

This week on TGU, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the week’s major local government news, which includes the announcement of structural changes for 39 Victorian councils ahead of elections later this year. Also: monitors start work at Brimbank and finish up at Greater Geelong; conflict in the Middle East continues to impact local cou…

This week on TGU, Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by guest panellist Kendrea Pope to discuss the week’s big local government stories, including: The potential return of sacked former councillors The impact of electoral representation reviews and ward boundary reviews on Victorian councils ahead of this year’s elections A council leads the way …

TGU is back for 2024 with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discussing some of the latest local government developments, including: Municipal monitors for Moonee Valley; a Darebin councillor suspended for misconduct; a CEO departs the sector for a state government role; a major review of the local government financial model in NSW; and should …

What’s new at LGIU – the Local Government Information Unit. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation for local government and anyone interested in local democracy. This week, the big story at LGIU is the launch of the State of Local Government Finance in England survey. The man behind it this year, Dr Greg Stride from the LGIU's Local Democra…

On the final TGU for the year, the panel brings you the week’s big local government stories including a Council meeting that turned ugly; CEO and Councillor appointments, resignations and a sacking; Christmas goes missing in one municipality, and the return of the age-old debate on Christmas decorations. Support the show To learn more about the eve…

On the agenda this week, the suspension of Strathbogie Shire and the installation of an interim administrator; a councillor facing a four month suspension after a conduct panel ruling; a new executive team announced sending ripples through three councils and a peak body; plus a damning Ombudsman report into public sector politicisation and a govern…

The TGU team is back to unpack the week’s local government news, including the council position that nobody wants; councillors claim unsafe work environment; council work practices in question; a councillor passes; a CEO appointed and much more. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local G…