This paper explores the troubled history of local government and governance in Central Darling over the past decade, and the factors underlying that history.

This report explores the case for, and ways to promote, effective place-based governance and local democracy as vital elements of Australia’s federal system. It is in response to trends such as declining levels of trust in governments and politicians, the inability of ‘big government’ to deal with issues such as climate change and rapid metropolitan...

This article argues that despite some significant constraints, Australian local government could, if it wished, pursue a substantial localism agenda.

This paper on the changing role of mayors, and how that role might be strengthened, seeks to fill one of several significant gaps in research and discussion of political governance in Australian local government. It reviews relevant literature and recent developments in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and concludes that if local government is...

This report explores the various approaches and experiences of NSW councils when preparing Social/Community Plans. The review outlines key implications for future practice, and also considers the NSW Department of Local Government's proposals for a new Integrated Planning and Reporting framework. While the focus is upon NSW local government, the research discusses issues that can...