Inside track: Local Government - In the media, in practice and courts, cases and legislation

In the media Updated Australian Emergency Management Arrangements Handbook A handbook that outlines the responsibilities of all three levels of government during emergencies and disasters has been updated to help authorities in their preparations for future incidents. The free Australian Emergency Management Arrangements Handbook was guided by a working group, which included the Australian Local Government Association (13 September 2019). More...

Councils' Night Time Economy report An update on the state of Australia's Night Time Economy in metropolitan areas has found the sector employed more than 1.1 million people in 2017-2018 and had a turnover close to $136 billion, or nearly five percent of the total economy (13 September 2019). More...

Revised pool barriers standard Local councils and members of the public are invited to comment on a proposed revision of a standard covering safety barriers for swimming pools. Standards Australia proposes expanding elements of AS1926.1 to give additional information to pool owners, pool users and certifiers (13 September 2019). More...

Parliament backs farmers with Criminal Code Amendment Bill set to become law The Australian Senate passed the Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill, meaning tough new penalties for those who incite trespass, property damage or theft on agricultural land will soon become law (12 September 2019). More...

New Future Fund to fight future disasters A new 'Future Fund' to help rebuild communities after major natural disasters is expected to be established this summer with a $4 billion injection from the Commonwealth. Minister for Finance, Senator Mathias Cormann said the fund would give the Government an additional source of sustainable funding to draw on in the aftermath of natural disasters (12 September 2019). More...

Councils get smarter with data Councils around the world are grappling with the ethical issues associated with AI as part of smart city building. And they are learning that protecting privacy is only the start (09 September 2019). More...

Time to devolve local government powers: Report The community should be able to establish bodies within the council system with powers and resources to get things done, a report by a network of local government experts recommends (09 September 2019). More...

Submissions sought for airports review Councils that operate airports or have airports within their Local Government Areas are invited to make submissions to the National Airports Safeguarding Framework, and has...