Unfair dismissal, private security furore, and historic council budgets

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A council worker wins an unfair dismissal case
• A hard-fought win for Techno Park residents in Hobsons Bay
• A controversial funding decision in Wyndham
• The fields are set for two by-elections
• A regional council’s zero per cent rate increase
• Historic $1B plus budgets for two Queensland councils
• A Tasmanian mayor describes the personal toll after a five year campaign against his council
• A WA Council to put its CEO position to market
• And major structural changes flagged for councils in the UK

All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.

Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com

On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in its series of Global Executive Live Panels for 2025.

This webinar will explore the topic of Building the Local Economy and will be held online from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Panellists include:

• Dr Angela Jackson, Commissioner (Social Policy), Australian Productivity Commission
• David Marlow, Chief Executive, Third Life Economics 
• Merryn Tinkler, Manager Economy & Culture, Mount

Chapters

• 1:41 Victorian Report
• 10:28 NSW Report
• 15:10 QLD report
• 18:20 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 22:22 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

A Melbourne street sweeper has won an unfair dismissal claim after being dismissed by Darebin City Council for objecting to an Acknowledgement of Country at a toolbox meeting.

The Australian reported that the Fair Work Commission has found that Shaun Turner's comments, suggesting acknowledgments should be reserved for special occasions and that servicemen and women deserved recognition, did not constitute a valid reason for dismissal.

Deputy President Richard Clancy determined the dismissal was disproportionate given the context of Mr Turner's comments.

The Council responded to the decision yesterday with a statement, in which it said it respects the court process and authority of the Fair Work Tribunal.

It reiterated its unwavering commitment to a safe working environment, which includes physical, cultural and emotional safety.

Mr Turner is seeking reinstatement, and an appropriate remedy for the unfair dismissal will be determined at a further commission hearing.

The Age this morning reports calls from fast-growing councils in Melbourne's north and west for state and federal governments to accelerate transport infrastructure projects to address severe congestion issues in rapidly expanding areas.

The Victorian Government's North West Strategic Assessment has outlined ambitious plans that include electrifying rail lines and extending metropolitan services, but Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall says action is needed immediately rather than in 10-15 years.

In Melton, Mayor Steve Abboushi told the Age that residents are waiting for infrequent trains that are already at capacity, which is impacting their daily lives.

Critics argue that poor planning and ad hoc project development have led to vast areas of the city being underserved by public transport, while billions are being invested in other areas like the eastern suburbs.

Wyndham City Council has made the unusual decision to fund private security patrols, but only for one suburb. The council voted on Tuesday to allocate $372,000 for a 12-month security patrol trial in Truganina.

The Age reported that Liberal-aligned councillor Preet Singh, who campaigned on the security boost during last year's local elections, championed the measure, citing community fears about rising crime rates.

However, the decision is proving controversial, with several councillors concerned about the precedent it sets for use of council resources.

A council spokesperson described it as a "modest investment" in the context of Wyndham's $800 million budget, and that the results of the trial would come back for further consideration by the council.

The move follows a similar decision by Melbourne City Council in May to fund security guards for the CBD.

Residents in Block 11 of Techno Park have received approval for their existing use rights application, confirming their legal residential status after proving continuous habitation for 15 years.

Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellandar made the announcement yesterday, and said the council is still working with other Techno Park residents on the issue.

The council is awaiting further applications, following state government planning scheme changes implemented last year.

Residents in the development, sited within an industrial zone, have been fighting eviction orders from the council since May 2023.

The fields are set for two upcoming by-elections - one in Darebin, to fill a vacancy after the passing of long serving councillor Gaetano Greco; and the other in Whittlesea, following the voiding of the election result in Lalor Ward by VCAT in May due to voting irregularities.

There are seven candidates in Darebin’s North West Ward. They are

• ZEMBEKIS, Leon
• ROSE, Cat
• VILLELLA, Angela
• KANJERE, George
• LAURENCE, Tim
• THEWLIS, Melanie
• SCOULLAR, Daniel

Eleven candidates will contest the Lalor Ward by-election in Whittlesea, including Stevan Kozmevski who was initially elected before the recent VCAT decision. Also contesting are:

• NICHOLSON, Rex
• EDGE, Victoria
• LABRADOR, Michael
• KRASSOS, Mary
• STOJCEVSKI, Belinda
• SHARP, William
• HASSAN, Omar
• UPRETY, Samu
• McNAUGHT, Ellen
• MOHAMMED, Burhanuddin

Both by-elections are by postal ballot, with voting to close at 6pm on the 1st August.

Horsham Rural City Council has voted to leave Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) by June next year and reduce its annual contribution from $238,656 to $100,000 for this coming financial year.

Council-appointed director Cr Cameron McDonald said the group was not aligned with council priorities and expressed disappointment with WSMD's direction.

He said several other councils have either left or were considering withdrawing their memberships, including Northern Grampians Shire which gave notice 2 years ago.

The Weekly Advertiser reported that the council plans to bring economic development resources back in-house.

Ballarat City Council has committed to a zero per cent average rate increase and implemented several initiatives to reduce financial pressure on the community in its 2025/26 Council Budget.

The initiatives include rebates for low-income and pensioner ratepayers, free entry to some pools, extended library hours, and free community use of Town Hall facilities.

While there will be a $3.9 million revenue reduction, Mayor Tracey Hargeaves said the Council has identified $5.2 million in operational savings to maintain service levels while providing financial relief to residents.

Baw Baw Shire Council has successfully prosecuted a 31-year-old man on 11 charges after his dogs, including one previously declared 'menacing', attacked and severely injured a neighbour's pet dog.

The case resulted in a conviction, $1,900 in fines, and veterinary cost reimbursements.

Mayor Danny Goss said the outcome sends a clear message to all dog owners, and highlights the serious consequences when they fail to take responsibility for their animals.

Mansfield Shire Mayor Steve Rabie has questioned the state government’s commitment to rural areas, saying his shire has been left of the state budget.

Cr Rabie told the most recent Council meeting that a host of initiatives announced in the budget were extremely metro-centric, highlighting that free public transport for kids is of little benefit in a shire with barely any public transport.

The mayor also expressed disappointment that requested funding support for priority roundabouts and safer intersections was not included in the budget.

Victorian Briefs:

Knox City Council has adopted an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy to expand the EV charging network across Knox and introduce charging fees at Council's EV chargers starting July 1.

The initiative aligns with the Council's Climate Response Plan, aiming to support the community's transition to sustainable transport and reduce local emissions to net zero by 2040.

The City of Greater Geelong is seeking community feedback on the proposed sale of six surplus land sites across the municipality that are no longer needed for operational purposes.

Community members can provide input through the YourSay Geelong website to help Council make informed decisions about the properties, which are currently costing ratepayers to maintain without providing community benefit.

The properties are in Corio, Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, Belmont, Drysdale and St Leonards.

Hindmarsh Shire Council’s survey shows significant improvements in overall performance, with the Council outperforming small rural group and state-wide averages on all core metrics; while at Horsham Rural City Council the results show promising improvements in overall direction and customer service scores, though challenges remain in areas like community engagement and unsealed roads management.

In Ballarat, the council’s overall score is stable at two points below the state average. The Council said the results show some notable advancements, while identifying areas for future improvement.

National Roundup:

NSW:

A 68 year old Tamworth man has appeared in court charged with intimidating Tamworth Regional Council's general manager Paul Bennett over a 17-year period.

The Northern Daily Leader reported that Andre Fritze represented himself during the brief appearance, and the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

The intimidation is alleged to have occurred between March 2008 and February this year.

The case has been adjourned until August while police compile evidence and an interim apprehended violence order remains in place to protect Mr Bennett.

There are important omissions in the NSW state budget, according to the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils.

WSROC has raised concerns in the areas of waste management, resilient housing, disaster preparedness, and local government sustainability in particular.

The group says transport investments and the 'Fresh Start Program' for council skills are welcome, but says the $971 million collected in waste levy funds fails to address a looming waste crisis.

The organisation also said a push to improve housing affordability must consider ongoing costs beyond purchase price, and it is calling for a greater focus on disaster mitigation rather than just emergency response.

Kiama Council will resume issuing paper parking notices from 1 July, complying with new NSW Government regulations that reverse the paperless system introduced in 2020.

In the 2023-24 period, the Council conducted 434 parking patrols resulting in approximately $107,000 in fines.

Mayor Cameron McDonald has emphasised the importance of respecting parking officers and following parking restrictions.

Concerns about anti-social behaviour at a local flats complex will be raised with NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson by Dubbo City Council.

The council resolved this week to approach the minister with its concerns about the impact of the behaviour around the Church Street flats on Dubbo’s CBD.

The council has also called for a report looking at the development of a local flag protocol policy.

The issue was raised out of concerns from Cr Jen Cowley OAM that a formal local protocol does not exist for flying flags at half-mast to honour the death of residents who have made a significant contribution to the community.

Councillor Graeme Shephard has been unanimously elected as Bellingen Shire Council's new Deputy Mayor, replacing former Deputy Mayor Ellie Tree who recently stepped down.

A lifelong Dorrigo resident with deep community connections, Cr. Shephard brings local knowledge and hands-on experience to the role where he aims to serve as an accessible conduit between the community and Council.

Bega Valley Shire Council has adopted a suite of planning documents that outline $331 million in investments over the next four years, focusing on water assets, sewer assets, and general infrastructure while operating within the 4.9% rate increase approved by IPART.

The plans, which were developed with community input, address key priorities including housing, climate resilience, and financial sustainability, though Council acknowledges ongoing funding challenges for maintaining its $2 billion in assets.

The Council has voted to exempt local not-for-profit organisations from fees and red tape when setting up fundraisers at community events, with event organisers now responsible for approvals instead, according to Power FM Bega Bay.

NSW Briefs:

Canberra-based Phil Perram has been installed as interim GM at Coonamble Shire Council, after the decision of Paul Gallagher to retire earlier this month.

The Coonamble Times reported that Mr Perram stepped into the position on 16th June, and will hold the role until a permanent replacement is recruited.

Shoalhaven City Council has received a $76,000 EPA grant to combat illegal dumping, which has doubled in the region over the past two years.

The funding will enable prevention measures including installation of gates, CCTV cameras, educational campaigns, and increased cleanup efforts to protect the environment and wildlife.

Landowners and residents of Parkes Shire Council are being warned about Green Cestrum, an invasive and highly toxic plant that poses serious risks to humans, livestock, and local biodiversity.

The Council is urging landowners to implement control measures including herbicide treatments and mechanical removal, and reminding them that they have a legal obligation to control the priority weed under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.

QLD:

Logan City Council has passed the largest budget in the city’s history, at $1.2B, according to the Courier Mail.

The budget is expected to increase typical residential ratepayer bills by $202 annually, with general rates and charges rising 6.42%, sewerage charges up by $59.96, and waste management charges jumping by $102.

Mayor Jon Raven claims that internal cost-cutting measures, including scrapping the $445 Community Services Charge and rejecting $32 million in new spending requests, prevented a much larger 23.5% rate increase.

Moreton Bay’s budget is also a record - $1B, with $400M allocated to infrastructure investment.

$75.7M is allocated across three years for Caboolture River Road in particular, for improvements that Mayor Peter Flannery said can’t come soon enough for communities living around the major east-west connector.

The Queensland Government says its 2025-26 Budget is the foundation of a fresh start and plan for Queensland’s future.

It has focussed on enhancing water security through new infrastructure projects, cost relief for irrigators, and a review of potential water sources in South East Queensland.

The budget allocates nearly $38 million for water projects, and makes the Works for Queensland program permanent with $200 million over two years starting in 2027-28 and $100 million annually thereafter.

LGAQ, the state’s peak body for councils, has welcomed significant funding for betterment and critical infrastructure, with $450 million allocated over five years for the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program.

It also noted that the government has fulfilled election commitments to a $2 billion trunk infrastructure fund and doubled funding for the Residential Activation Fund to $1 billion to prepare land for housing.

However, it says councils are disappointed with the reduction in advance waste levy payments, which will result in increased costs for Queensland households starting July 1.

North Burnett Regional Council has announced plans to sell 15 properties next month, due to their owners being in arrears on rates payments for more than four years.

South Burnett Today (26th June 2025) reported CEO Craig Matheson’s comments at a recent Council meeting that staff had exhausted all options to get the overdue rates paid.

The paper also reported that South Burnett Regional Council has finalised a list of motions to be put to October’s LGAQ conference on the Gold Coast.

Motions cover varied issues including flying fox management, rural mental health services, and policing initiatives.

Noosa Shire Council has passed a motion to encourage a voluntary, industry-led transition away from single-use coffee cups after finding they comprised 20 percent of litter at Noosa Main Beach.

ABC News reported that the motion passed by a narrow margin of four votes to three, and follows the example of Bermagui in NSW where cafes joined forces to eliminate disposable cups in favour of a deposit system for reusable cups.

TAS:

Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney has revealed the severe personal toll of what he describes as a five-year orchestrated campaign against council representatives and staff, according to a report from The Advocate.

Speaking at Monday's council meeting, Mayor Freshney delivered an emotional address, stating that anxiety and apprehension have become his "constant companions" and that unbroken sleep is now "just a distant memory."

The mayor claims he's been subjected to multiple unsubstantiated code of conduct complaints, threats of legal action, and personal attacks including accusations of corruption and taking "cash in brown paper bags."

According to the council, the campaign stems from a 2020 incident when seasonal workers were evacuated from a Shearwater property due to safety concerns.

Local businessman Simon Baldock, whose company owns the property in question, has rejected the mayor's statements and is seeking a withdrawal and apology.

The council has pledged support for the Local Government Association's "Lift the Tone" campaign, which aims to promote civility in public debate.

SA:

A motion for an independent inquiry by the equal opportunity commissioner into the prevalence of harassment, including sexual harassment, in the South Australian local government sector has passed the Legislative Council.

The Port Lincoln Times reported (26th June 2025) that the matter now needs support in the House of Assembly, with proponents hopeful it will raise awareness in the community and councils.

The City of Salisbury has achieved the prestigious Excelling Welcoming City status, becoming only the second Australian council to reach this highest tier within the Welcoming Cities framework.

The recognition highlights the city's exceptional commitment to fostering inclusion across leadership, social and cultural integration, economic development, and community spaces, building upon their previous 2021 accreditation as an Intercultural City by the Council of Europe.

WA:

Joondalup City Council has voted to put its CEO position to market, and current CEO James Pearson has told staff he will not be seeking reappointment when his contract expires next March, according to media reports.

The renewal of Mr Pearson’s contract of employment was listed as a confidential matter on this week’s Council meeting agenda.

He joined the council in March 2021, moving from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Canberra. He previously held senior roles in the private sector with Shell and Chevron, and for six years has taught strategy to MBA students as an Adjunct Professor with Deakin University.

Mr Pearson’s delegations were a matter of contention amongst councillors last year, when some sought to limit his delegated authority.

Repeated attempts to do so were narrowly defeated in the council chamber.

Meanwhile, the council this week adopted its budget, with a 3.95% increase in rates.

It has forecast an operating deficit of $12.8M this coming year, leading to expectations of higher rate increases in future years according to PerthNow.

The City of Vincent has adopted its 2025-26 budget, which includes a 25% increase in rates for vacant land owners.

The move is a bid to encourage development.

Regular residential rates will increase by 4.5%.

PerthNow reported that Vincent is the eighth-lowest residential rating council in metropolitan Perth.

A motion to suspend e-scooter hire services in Geraldton was a non-starter at this week’s council meeting.

Cr Aaron Horsman had sought to have Beam’s approval to operate electric scooters in the city immediately removed, and an inquiry commenced into accidents, injuries and near misses recorded by the health system.

The motion failed to attract a seconder and therefore lapsed.

It follows decisions by Perth and Vincent councils to suspend the services after the recent death of a pedestrian in Perth; while others like Stirling and Busselton have decided to maintain the hire schemes for now.

Global Roundup:

UK:

The UK government plans to abolish the committee system in local councils, requiring them to transition to a leader and cabinet model, and will ban the creation of new directly elected council mayors.

The Local Government Chronicle reported that the decision will impact an upcoming referendum in Plymouth, where residents are set to vote on adopting a mayoral governance model.

Even if approved, the council may be forced to continue with the leader and cabinet structure.

The Mayor for Plymouth campaign says it will take the government to the high court, saying the government’s move is a betrayal of democracy.

Local Government Minister Jim McMahon said the standardisation will provide clarity on responsibility, improve decision-making efficiency, and avoid confusion with regional mayors for strategic authorities.

The Local Government Chronicle has released the results of a new survey that confirms online abuse and public disrespect are the primary deterrents for councillor recruitment in the UK.

52% of respondents expressed high concern about the impact of online abuse on candidacy decisions.

The survey also shows that demographics in council chambers poorly reflect local populations, with age disparity being most concerning as the average councillor is 60 years old.

Councillors were rated as most effective in community championing and casework, while scrutiny was identified as their weakest function.

As the Birmingham bin strike drags on, there are accusations that the Unite union has targeted a school attended by the children of the councillor in charge of waste services.

The union has strongly denied the accusation to the BBC, saying it’s a coincidence.

The ongoing strike has entered its 15th week with conciliatory talks failing to reach an agreement despite involvement from an arbitration service.

Newcastle City Council has referred an investigation into potential fraud within its transport department to Northumbria Police after discovering "financial irregularities" that are believed to involve overclaiming by an unconfirmed number of employees.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the council has had to bring in external staff to assist with running the affected section of its transport department while the investigation continues.

Glasgow City Council experienced a cyber attack last Thursday that may have resulted in the theft of customer data, causing various online services to be unavailable while servers are offline.

BBC News reported the incident is under investigation by multiple authorities including Police Scotland and the National Cyber Security Centre, while the council advises caution with communications and has apologised for the anxiety and inconvenience caused.

SOUTH AFRICA:

Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero has survived a no-confidence motion, according to the Business Tech news site, with 144 votes against, 75 in favour, and 43 abstentions.

The city is facing severe infrastructure challenges, including 40% water loss and 35% electricity loss, contributing to poor service delivery in South Africa's economic hub that generates 16% of the country's GDP.

Recent leadership instability has exacerbated Johannesburg's decline, with President Ramaphosa himself expressing disappointment at the city's deteriorated state during G20 meetings.

USA:

Spokane City Council in Washington is considering a new ordinance that would require contractors on city infrastructure projects costing $5 million or more to ensure 20% of labor hours come from underrepresented communities or disadvantaged workers.

The Spokesman-Review reported that the new legislation has the support of labor unions, and aims to increase local hiring and worker protections while preventing labor law violations.

It does have its critics however, with contractor organisations arguing the requirements will reduce competition, increase costs, and be difficult to implement due to existing labor shortages.

The ordinance is likely to be voted on by the Council next month.

NZ:

Invercargill City Council has voted against cutting ties with companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, according to Radio New Zealand.

Mayor Nobby Clark's casting vote broke a 6-6 tie among councillors.

The decision stands in contrast to actions taken by other New Zealand councils including Nelson, Christchurch, and Environment Canterbury, which have adopted similar spending bans targeting companies listed by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Christchurch City Council is proposing two new rebate schemes to encourage development in the central city: one for expired existing demand credits for buildings not demolished within the Four Avenues, and another for residential developments of at least six storeys.

The schemes aim to support the Council's goal of having 20,000 central city residents by 2028 (currently estimated at 9,160) and would remain in place until June 2027 or until their respective funding limits of $5 million and $2 million are fully allocated.