Best Victorian Local Governance Association Podcasts (2025)

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"Systemic shortcomings", a funding dispute, and a controversial resignation 23:24

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13h ago23:24

23:24

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: More councils take issue with funding for beach lifeguard services Townsville’s controversial mayor resigns, but the long running saga is not over Calls for publication of Council FOI requests A council’s $2M parking machine overhaul A Sydney area council CEO reportedly negotiatin…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 26 September 2025 39:58

3d ago39:58

39:58

This week on VLGA Connect, Cr Sophie Price, Mayor of Indigo Shire, joins Chris Eddy to discuss how the northeast region is recovering from recent events, and gives us an update on the ongoing fight for better hospital and health services in the region. Tony Raunic returns to discuss the latest legal and governance issues from across the sector, inc…

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Sandon in court, resignations, elections, and another councillor suspended 28:36

4d ago28:36

28:36

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Baw Baw Shire appoints a new CEO A surprise councillor resignation on the Surf Coast Operation Sandon finally reaches a courtroom CEO appointment news from NSW A controversial flouride decision in Queensland A South Australian mayor resigns after months of turmoil A Tasmanian coun…

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CEO resignation, high-rise protest, and a surprise restructure 46:14

6d ago46:14

46:14

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Merri-bek Council CEO Cathy Henderson resigns to head up WorkSafe Victoria Gates demolished as Yarra’s mayor declares a long running dispute over Sydney Council urging stronger state action on illegal vapes Residents protest a high-rise development plan A breakthrough in a Queensl…

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Suspension, rate cap error, and a return to democracy 24:23

8d ago24:23

24:23

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Suspended - a Surf Coast councillor to sit on the sidelines for one month A win at VCAT for Wyndham City Council Geelong to show its colours in AFL Grand Final week A remote NSW community votes for its first new Council in more than a decade The home of Tamworth’s famed Golden Gui…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 19 September 2025 42:16

10d ago42:16

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris is joined by City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney to talk about a major customer service survey, and how the organisation is meeting the demands of a rapidly growing regional centre. Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss on recent issue of a governance and legal nature, including a move at Fra…

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Melton mayhem, Mornington macropods, and a mayoral ultimatum 27:25

11d ago27:25

27:25

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A political storm engulfs Melton Council Wallabies saved from euthanasia on the Mornington Peninsula Mayors unite over deteriorating road conditions Sweeping planning changes to accelerate housing development in NSW Townsville’s suspended mayor asked to show why he shouldn’t be sa…

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“Bureaucratic nightmare” - disaster funding, earthquakes and a dead whale 26:37

13d ago26:37

26:37

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Councillor numbers to be slashed under a new Tasmanian Government proposal for local government Victorian councils concerned about disaster funding delays, while NSW councils deal with earthquakes and a dead whale Port Phillip steps up advocacy on extended Grand Prix timelines A r…

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“Clearly oppressive” - Slug Gate case dismissed, urgent briefing, facilities closed 24:11

15d ago24:11

24:11

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Case dismissed - the latest twist in the Greater Dandenong Slug Gate saga Urgent briefing for Yarra Council on a VCAT e-scooter challenge A life or death decision looming for kangaroos and wallabies at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council financial management concerns laid bare in a…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 12 September 2025 22:50

17d ago22:50

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Cr Stefan Koomen, Mayor of Casey City Council on leading the new council in its first term since a long period of administration, and how the long running Operation Sandon investigation has impacted the new councillor group. Then, we learn more about a metro Melbourne circular economy first with Sara…

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"Blindsided" - high density surprise, suspension push, and clickbait and chaos 22:07

18d ago22:07

22:07

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Plans for new high density precincts unveiled in Melbourne Liverpool Councillors move to have the city’s CEO suspended A mayor distances her council from expected job losses From Gore to Walcha - a trans-Tasman leadership transition The spectre of Operation Sandon hanging over Cas…

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Landslide inquiry report, a nonsensical decision, and AI manipulation 20:54

20d ago20:54

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The McCrae Landslide Board of Inquiry report has been submitted to government - what are the likely implications for the local government sector? Moorabool continues to challenge the EPA over transparency concerns CEO level appointments in Victoria and NSW, and a contract extensio…

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A mayor’s health battle, a new Lord Mayor, and a bygone prayer 38:16

22d ago38:16

38:16

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Two big city Mayors call for the reinstatement of a missing transport link An acting mayor appointed as a country mayor deals with health challenges Another council drops a Christian prayer from its meetings A bitter housing dispute between a council and the state government in Sy…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 5 September 2025 32:17

24d ago32:17

32:17

This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy interviews Mark Stoermer, CEO Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on how he is settling in as CEO, his priorities for the role, including an announced restructure, and the pending release of the Board of Inquiry report into the McCrae landslip - with potential sector-wide implications. Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of M…

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“Hateful narratives”: a world first strategy, and toxic culture rejected 24:17

25d ago24:17

24:17

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Charges laid after seven years of Operation Sandon Mayors facing down discrimination and hateful narratives A world first anti-semitism strategy launched Shoalhaven Council rejects claims of a toxic culture A council under pressure to change its community vision A general manager …

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“Beyond disgraceful”: councils taking a stand 21:28

27d ago21:28

21:28

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Taking a stand against abuse towards frontline council workers and elected representatives Councils push back on electricity reforms, lifeguard funding and planning call-ins Rural NSW councils look to the future after devastating economic blows A council’s planned tribute to rock …

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Sweeping meeting changes, a censure overturned, and an un-resignation 23:00

29d ago23:00

23:00

Send us a text Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Another council raises concerns about a surprise renewable energy zone proposal An urgent call for animal foster carers in Gippsland Sweeping changes announced for council meetings in NSW A censured Parramatta councillor’s court win A Council GM un-resigns and gets a new five year deal Coun…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 29 August 2025 26:03

1M ago26:03

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest in local government news including the appointment of monitors to Kingston City Council and the standing down of Maribyrnong City Council Mayor under the provisions of the Local Government Act. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Support the show To learn more about the event…

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Dog attack alarm, funding wins, and more industrial action 28:05

1M ago28:05

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Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Alarm over a disturbing increase in dog attacks in East Gippsland The growth of data centres raises water concerns in Hume An admission that a controversial roundabout should never have been built Funding wins for five regional NSW Councils Compensation calls for sacked Ipswich co…

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Council shutdown, charged Mayor stands aside, and intervention for two councils 26:25

1M ago26:25

26:25

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Alpine Shire Council shuts down as a police manhunt continues A metro mayor facing charges stands aside Many Melbourne councils predicted to fall short of government housing targets Sydney councils at odds with the state government over planning proposals Government intervention l…

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Kingston monitors, tight mayoral contests, and a 'gut-wrenching' attack 23:51

1M ago23:51

23:51

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Monitors announced for Kingston Moorabool’s toxic waste fight with the EPA continues A waste-to-energy surprise in Hume A former mayor attempts a by-election comeback A NSW councillor fails to block a second suspension NT mayoral election counts on a knife-edge Surprising recommen…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 22 August 2025 43:08

1M ago43:08

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy gets to know the new CEO of Strathbogie Shire Council, Rachelle Quatrocchi to hear about her visions for the new role. Tony Raunic and Chris catch up on the recent issues affecting the sector, including a significant local law decision at Casey Council and new legal reforms dealing with perceived invasions of p…

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Levy discontent, demerger referendum, and a major restructure 26:12

1M ago26:12

26:12

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Levy discontent grows as rates notices go out A council’s major restructure plan announced Casey Council backtracks on controversial local laws Another potential NSW council demerger moves a step closer Sweeping reforms announced for council elections in South Australia An histori…

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Overwhelmed and Overworked: Addressing Burnout in Councils 18:09

1M ago18:09

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Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the pressing issue of burnout and overwhelm within local government. Join us as we explore insights from Zoe Dattner, CEO of the Dattner Group, who shares stories and findings from a recent event focused on the relentless drive to do more with less. Discover the risks of this growing pressure, the impact…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 15 August 2025 29:16

2M ago29:16

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Gail Gatt the new CEO at Horsham Rural City Council about how she is settling into her new role and the key issues facing her community. Chris also catches up with Port Phillip City Council Mayor Cr Louise Crawford about an innovative solution the council has developed to prevent and reduce damage to…

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Well Travelled Executive Series #12 - Michael Tudball 45:19

2M ago45:19

45:19

Send us a text Another insightful episode in the Well Travelled Executive Series, featuring Michael Tudball, a seasoned leader in local government. From his beginnings in audit and risk to becoming a council CEO, Michael shares his unique journey through various councils across Victoria. Discover his experiences as a mayor, his passion for communit…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 8 August 2025 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

Today on the program Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of West Wimmera Shire Tim Meyer to talk about how he is finding this mayoral term. Mary Agostino, Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell Shire also joins us to talk about what is happening in her community and the key issues council is addressing. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Support the sho…

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Reprogramming Local Government (Generative AI in Action) 27:38

2M ago27:38

27:38

Send us a text In this special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy explores how generative AI is beginning to transform councils in Victoria. This episode features real-world stories of councils trialling AI chatbots, document search tools, and AI agents, as well as bold discussions about what might come next – from robot build…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 1 August 2025 30:54

2M ago30:54

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Don Henderson, Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council on what's happening in the region, the challenges council faces and what he sees are the priorities for this term. Chris then speaks to Ryan Allott, Manager Compliance & Environmental Health at Whittlesea City Council on an innovative program council has im…

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Well Travelled Executive Series #11 - Rebecca McKenzie 41:18

2M ago41:18

41:18

Send us a text In this episode of the Well Traveled Executive Series, Chris Eddy sits down with Rebecca McKenzie, the outgoing CEO of Glen Eira City Council, to explore her public service journey from the UK to Australia. Rebecca shares her insights on the evolving landscape of leadership, the importance of diversity in governance, and the highligh…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 25 July 2025 45:24

2M ago45:24

45:24

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest from across the local government sector including an arbiter decision at Wyndham, a loss at VCAT for Moorabool Council, and Hume Council’s call for greater enforcement powers in relation to dangerous dogs. Chris also interviews Ballarat City Council deputy mayor Cr Ben Tayl…

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Final warning, inquiry revelations, and a formal caution 27:37

2M ago27:37

27:37

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A final warning over a controversial sea wall in Frankston Two rural councils challenge the Victorian Government over drought funding inequities Maribyrnong Council the latest to consider funding private security measures More revelations from the Liverpool Council public inquiry …

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Misconduct allegation dismissed, formal frustration, and demerger optimism 28:24

2M ago28:24

28:24

Send us a text On your Monday morning edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A mayor’s misconduct complaint against a councillor dismissed Whitehorse council’s multi-million dollar fight with SRL Buloke formalises its frustration with the state government A wave of demerger optimism in NSW Rising Tide stands firm on protest plans in Newcastl…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 18 July 2025 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down for an in-depth discussion with the Mayor of the City of Yarra, Stephen Jolly, on his first mayoral term, responding to criticism, and why he won’t be seeking another term as mayor. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the …

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Dangerous precedent, Council raided, and demerger approved 25:54

2M ago25:54

25:54

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Moorabool Shire faces a $1/2M clean up bill after a loss at VCAT A council and union meet to discuss workplace culture concerns A sacked street sweeper wins compensation, and is now considering a tilt at federal politics A dramatic raid on a Sydney council The green light for a de…

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Agency underfunded, dangerous dogs, and a shock resignation 25:32

3M ago25:32

25:32

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Claims of underfunding from another Victorian integrity agency A council’s call for stronger powers to act on dangerous dogs A councillor demanding a public apology from her council Liverpool’s public inquiry gets underway A NSW mayor calls out keyboard warriors A shock resignatio…

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Toothless tiger, un-Australian planning rules, and suspension upheld 23:57

3M ago23:57

23:57

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Serious concerns raised about the effectiveness of Victoria’s local government inspectorate Councillors brand planning changes “un-Australian” A Councillor fails in a bid to overturn a three month suspension Further delays in a Council’s General Manager appointment process A QLD m…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 11 July 2025 36:20

3M ago36:20

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris chats to Campaspe Shire Council mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell on the implementation of a zero tolerance policy to prevent inappropriate behaviour towards staff and councillors. Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss all the big news this week in the local government sector. Support the show To learn more a…

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$1.5B cost-shift, costly legal disputes, and amalgamation debate reignites 26:30

3M ago26:30

26:30

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Moorabool puts its case to VCAT over an EPA clean up order A fight to stop a proposed new McDonald’s restaurant in Darebin The Victorian Government denies a council’s kangaroo harvesting request A new report puts a number on government cost-shifting A tragedy in Townsville involvi…

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Punching down, a suspension, and an imminent dissolution 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Turmoil in Perth as a councillor exodus triggers a council’s dismissal A council challenges the EPA at VCAT A suspension for a veteran Merri-bek councillor A mayor’s anger over anti-semitic attacks in Melbourne CEO resignations and appointments, and a failed recruitment A mayor’s …

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Hateful attacks condemned, toxic claims rejected, and a dramatic skyline change 22:04

3M ago22:04

22:04

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Hateful attacks condemned Claims of a toxic council workforce rejected Reaction to new drought support measures A disappointing state government funding cut An innovative road reconstruction project fails A dramatic change coming to Sydney’s skyline Another NSW Council CEO resigna…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 4 July 2025 27:00

3M ago27:00

27:00

This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Cr Kris Bolam, mayor of Frankston City Council on their friendly city and sister city arrangements and how they impact the community. Chris then speaks to Wyndham City Council mayor Cr Mia Shaw on council's partnership with RMIT University, to deliver a unique AI and analytics capability development pr…

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Closing the loophole, poor communication, and shocking mismanagement 39:18

3M ago39:18

39:18

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: An appeal to the Governor over the ESVF levy A council’s planned exit from maternal and child health services A grant loophole closes on the Mornington Peninsula Violent incidents shut down a Council library A mayor’s war on visual pollution A council’s warning for pet owners afte…

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Intervention granted, a dysfunctional culture laid bare, and a tax-fighting bin chicken 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A win for a metro mayor in court A councillor resignation to trigger another by-election A culture of distrust and fear laid bare at Hobsons Bay All systems go in Frankston for a new friendship agreement Resignations from two NSW council chiefs A groundbreaking report for the futu…

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Funding disadvantage, a damn disgrace, and a problematic proposition 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The Victorian Government accused of holding back crucial infrastructure funding A surprise bank branch closure angers a rural council A council introduces body worn cameras for council officers Innovative council waste management and animal control initiatives The massive investme…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 27 June 2025 35:01

3M ago35:01

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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic discuss some significant decisions released this week, including the return of a Kingston councillor from suspension. Chris also interviews Swan Hill Rural City Council mayor Stuart King on the recent changes made to liquor licencing which while designed to remove red tape, cut councils from the…

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Unfair dismissal, private security furore, and historic council budgets 28:58

3M ago28:58

28:58

Send us a text 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 Queensla…

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Dysfunctional budget debacle, mayoral challenge, and a rate cap warning 40:19

3M ago40:19

40:19

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: A suspended councillor’s legal troubles resolved A mayor’s budget challenge to the rest of the country An apology called for after a councillor was wrongfully accused of theft The shock passing of two sector leaders in NSW Sydney Council takes aim at gas appliances, and the unsigh…

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Procedural vandalism, toxic dysfunction, and a costly decision 48:23

3M ago48:23

48:23

Send us a text In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup: The Victorian Government releases its response to an inquiry into local government funding Two new members elected to the VLGA board Above average satisfaction for two western Victorian councils An acting mayor accuses colleagues of procedural vandalism A pay dispute in Townsville…

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VLGA Connect - Friday 20 June 2025 41:51

3M ago41:51

41:51

This week on VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to chat with Chris Eddy about the latest issues facing the local government sector including the parking fine error at Merri-bek council and recent election related decisions at VCAT. Matt Collins, CEO of the Planning Institute of Australia discusses the recent survey which hig…