Issue 131 - 27 November 2019

• Premier to announce "the simplest and most effective planning system in Australia"
• A word about wage theft
• Local Government Super appoints a new Chief Executive Officer
• Supreme Court reserves its decision on Narrabri's jurisdictional argument
• Public Accountability Committee's first report makes 17 recommendations
• Next month

Issue 130 - 30 October 2019

• Narrabri GM wants more bloodshed
• That's not a monumental step, this is a monumental step
• Uh oh, time to change feet
• Finally, on the crisis in construction ...
• Oh no, more ïndependent"LGS directors

Issue 129 - 5 September 2019

• More good directors sacked - a real bloodbath at Snowy Valleys
• We start negotiating a new Local Government State Award this month
• Evidence to the Legislative Council Public Accountability Committee into the regulation of building standards, building quality and building disputes
• Senior Staff are being invited to respond to some questions about their job security

Issue 128 - 23 July 2019

• A hapless of Building Ministers announcing bugger all in Sydney

Issue 127 - 27 June 2019

• Prime Minister announces IR reform - oh no, here we go again
• A new Minister for Local Government - let's see what we can do about those unfair standard contracts
• Look out if your Council wants to review your nine day fortnight
• As high-rise buildings sink or fall apart, NSW Government gets its finger out on the Building Confidence Report

Issue 126 - 25 March 2019

• Shellharbour shows why you need to be a member of a union
• And we're in dispute with another Council too
• Super dispute in the Commission as well
• NSW election means we'll be bashing our heads against the wall with the Coalition Government

Issue 125 - 28 February 2019

• We still hate term contracts for senior staff
• NSW Government doesn't understand why they lost the High Court case
• We file our first dispute of the year with Snowy Valleys Council

Issue 124 - 21 January 2019

• "Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer; You'll wish that summer could always be here"
• Kaldas review released in December
• Opal Tower fiasco raises opportunity to review everything

Issue 123 - 18 December 2018

• How's HR been this year?
• Richmond Valley is the winner
• What about the High Court challenge?
• And that's it for 2018, but here's some good advice.

Issue 122 - 28 November 2018

• Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays depa from the swift completion of depaNews ...
• High Court to hear union challenge to electoral funding laws next week
• Speaking of issues of principle, the Government appreciates us, but doesn't want to meet with us
• How has HR gone this year?

Issue 121 - 25 October 2018

• Oh no, now the NSW Government has asked whether we think "there is a greater risk for conflicts of interest to arise in private certification work and result in poor certification..."
• NSW unions challenge NSW Government in the High Court
• Slowly getting somewhere on "superable salary" dispute

Issue 120 - 28 August 2018

• No wonder this lot didn't want a Banking Royal Commission
• "Keep your hands off our super"
• Don't think banks should be involved in Super?
• But what do the regulators do?

Issue 119 - 30 July 2018

• Nick Kaldas to audit corruption risks in New South Wales planning
• "I need to see you at the gym"
• Councillors on interview panels

Issue 118 - 27 June 2018

• Next time you have a disagreement about professional opinion ...
• The BPB is not just using "intelligence", it has "intelligence cells"

Issue 117 - 28 May 2018

• Look out the BPB is coming after you
• We make a submission to ICAC Operation Dasha
• You've moved house or Council? Don't let it be a secret
• Farewell Ernie, thanks for everything

Issue 116 - 23 April 2018

• Former Canterbury demonstrates to ICAC why councillors should be removed from development assessment
• We may find ourselves in an unusual position
• Government sends IRC to Parramatta

Issue 115 - 27 March 2018

• Electoral Commission declares 2018 depa elections

Issue 114 - 26 February 2018

• Okay, we don't mind a challenge, but...
• Going down like dominoes at Tweed
• Some people think they can get away with anything...
• Government decides to move the IRC out of the Sydney CBD
• How to not lose your leaseback car
• 2018 depa elections - lucky Lord Buckethead isn't a member

Issue 113 - 29 January 2018

• Welcome back

Issue 112 - HR Awards 2017

• Tweed Shire is the most hazardous workplace for depa members in NSW
• Well, that's it for us

Issue 111 - 18 December 2017

• LGNSW CEO Donna Rygate proudly launches their game changer
• Code of Conduct
• depa elections next year
• depaNews HR awards will be out Wednesday or Thursday...

Issue 110 - 23 November 2017

• LGS agrees it's their responsibility, and they will fix it
• We still don't know what this thing is
• Had a look at the Draft Code of Conduct yet?
• And look out for this...
• Is that the time?

Issue 109 - 25 October 2017

• Like getting blood from a stone...
• And members respond brilliantly
• What is this thing called, love*?
• Andrew Spooner resigns as President
• BPB nails idiots at Griffith City Council

Issue 108 - 28 August 2017

• Get your own ideas!
• "Like a dog returning to its vomit..."
• Look out, the ******** and ******** might be back...
• Are you okay?

Issue 107 - 26 July 2017

• Enough is enough - it's time to cut councillors out of development assessment
• I've got a Deed of Release - lessons to be learned form Amber Harrison

Issue 106 - 19 June 2017

• We accept LGNSW offer for a new State Award
• Uh oh, ...
• Do yourself a favour

Issue 105 - 24 May 2017

• Nine days to go ...
• We don't like being gagged and we pull the pin on the EMRG
• Courts nail clumsy and secretive handling of Council mergers

Issue 104 - 20 April 2017

• A Tale of Two Cities

Issue 103 - 29 March 2017

• It's hard not to feel sorry for Gladys
• LGNSW backflips on decades of cooperation
• OLG forced to state the bleeding obvious on employment protection
• Ex-Mayor of Hurstville exits with his tail between his legs
• Cripes, where was the compassion?

Issue 102 - 15 February 2017

• Uh oh ...
• What would Mike Baird have done?
• Next month ...

Issue 101 - 23 January 2017

• The sharks are circling

Issue 100 - 19 December 2016

• Who has the worst HR in local government in 2016?
• And that's pretty much the end of the year for us...

Issue 99 - 13 December 2016

• The Ascension marks the death of the historic IRC
• We give OLG's Employment Reference Group another chance
• "It's all the fault of bullying union bosses..."
• Are things going any better at Sydney City with their asbestos contamination?
• Who has the worst HR in local government this year?

Issue 98 - 29 November 2016

• Sydney mishandles asbestos contamination in Town Hall House
• Ignore Henny Penny, there has been progress in State Award negotiations
• BPB gets their fingers out on what should happen with PINs
• depa's prestigious HR Awards will be announced next month

Issue 97 - 27 October 2016

• We stop Government's secret processes in merged councils
• Government dismantles Industrial Relations Commision
• Who would have thought! Private certifiers need better regulation ...

Issue 96 - 7 September 2016

• Sick of politicians? We are ...
• Get ready, we're about to start negotiating the 2017 State Award
• Government picks up the pace on dismantling IRC
• What are "workplace representatives" for on Consultative Committees?

Issue 95 - 25 August 2016

• Government to dismantle Industrial Relations Commission of NSW

Issue 94 - 11 July 2016

• "What have the Romans ever done for us?"
• Mid-western Council receives ICAC report

Issue 93 - June 2016

• Early elections, bring back local democracy!
• Senior staff jobs go in amalgamations and the hero is Viv the Vivisector
• Employment Matters Working Party clarifies the protections under the Act
• Not so fast, the dilettantes and dabblers are still at it
• Food Regulation Forum

Issue 92 - May 2016

• You'd have to be a mug not to join

Issue 91 - April 2016

• NSW Government announces broad expansion of exempt and complying development
• LGS launches special holiday arrangements for members
• Now we can all be miners, NSW Government announces
• Happy birthday, Mike

Issue 90 - March 2016

• 2016 depa elections delivers four new brooms
• PIA NSW did what?

Issue 89 - February 2016

• Ex Planning Minister attacks extensions to exempt and complying development
• LGNSW and the three unions meet about IPART recommendation 30 and protecting senior staff
• "Come on Barry, give me a cuddle"
• Some great news for Catherine
• Council Amalgamations provide "a good night out" for old folks
• 2016 elections for the Committee of Management
• We extend out legal services to members

Issue 88 - January 2016

• Fit for the Future
• We settle our section 106 with Mid-Western
• Anyone for golf?

Issue 87 - HR Awards 2015

• Who has the worst HR in local government in 2015?

Issue 86 - December 2015

• Here comes the knockout punch
• Councillors behaving badly - bans on at Parramatta
• Chinese hackers embarrass LGNSW and LGMA
• IRC survives to be dismantled another day
• HR awards issue out on Tuesday

Issue 85 - November 2015

• Time is ticking away
• But some good news too - use this template if your council wants to give you five years protection against forced redundancy

Issue 84 - October 2015

• Mixed reception to IPART Report
• Anyone there?
• NSW Government to shut down Industrial Relations Commission
• We file section 106 for the unfair sacking at Mid-Western
• Something to put a smile on your faces - we may have found local government's dumbest

Issue 83 - September 2015

• Better than Nostradamus
• More Councillors behaving badly
• Mid-Western GM sacks two directors - and one of them was ours
• In such a hostile world, who wouldn't want a guardian angel?
• Any action from people we rely upon to properly regulate the industry?
• And what about one or two good news stories?
• Tamworth GM drops off on removing the nine day fortnight from existing staff

• Uh oh, look out!
• Why is the Office of Local Government protecting Jilly Gibson? Or is the Minister thinking a few moves ahead?
• Next month …

• A message to the Minister and the Office of Local Government
• We drag the dawdlers at Sydney City into the modern world (and watch them waste a good employee)
• depa's submission to the Legislative Council Local Government Enquiry
• We hate it when members disappear - and it wastes our time too
• Has Local Government Super dumped uranium and nuclear yet?

Issue 80 - June 2015

• Reviewing our rules is much more exciting than watching paint dry

Issue 79 - May 2015

• Fit for the Future
• Got the Boss's job at last and don't need us anymore?
• Tamworth brings in the big guns
• Old blokes collapse and let Mum keep working part-time
• Review of the BPB
• We are updating our rules

Issue 78 - April 2015

• "New South Wales is open for business" Baird Liberal/Coalition Government commits to dramatic initiatives
• Government bans the words "bad for the budget"
• The Government clarifies the sale of Poles and Wires
• South Africa stripped of World Cup placing
• John Howard sees silver lining after Malcolm Fraser's death

Issue 77 - March 2015

• Election Special

Issue 76 - February 2015

• Tamworth and GM Paul Bennett humiliated in IRC
• From one GM with poor HR to another ...
• And now back to the 19th century when mothers knew their place
• Who wouldn't like to hit a ball into this beautiful lake?
• NSW election on Saturday 28 March

Issue 75 - January 2015

• Special: Welcome to 2015 issue, three disputes already this year but we won’t mention  Bankstown
• How hard is HR? Part 2
• Don’t forget our commitment to helping councils provide family friendly work
• Anyone for golf?
• Fit for the Future, or some other F word?

Issue 74 - December 2014

• How hard is HR?
• depa's awards for the Worst HR in Local Government
• 2014 depa award for the worst HR in local government
• And that, with great relief, is the end of the year ...

Issue 73 - November 2014

• NSW Premier seizes all the pencils
• We don't care about Peter Hurst
• Confusing messages from LGS
• Shoalhaven dispute resolved but the council suffers lasting damage
• depa offers a prize in 2015
• Anyone for golf?
• 2014 HR awards to be announced next month

Issue 72 - October 2014

• Oh no, Local Government Super goes pro-nuclear
• Sam Byrne is appointed as our new director on the LGS Board
• Goodby Gough and thanks

Issue 71 - September 2014

• Less people with pencils and more people digging up roads
• Local Government Poseurs Association still frightened of the new State Award
• Apology to Andrew Crakanthorp
• How's Penrith going?
• Uh oh, Local Government Super is about to do something really bad

Issue 70 - August 2014

• Wagga Wagga stumbles with dangerous precedents
• What's the score at Shoalhaven?
• What Penrith did next

Issue 69 - July 2014

• Everyone loves the State Award
• LGMA Poseurs fail to derail Award
• It's not just the State Award that is committed to making councils provide family friendly and flexible work
• What's your council doing about the Award's health and well-being provisions?
• An early favourite for our 2014 HR Award
• Shock, horror, more bad news on the quality of private certifiers

Issue 68 - June 2014

• We have an offer for the 2014 State Award

• What's happening about the new Award?
• Government announces Roger Rogerson as a role model as Australians encouraged to work into their 70s

• Farooq gets Farooqed
• Barry Farooqs himself
• Goodbye Don, hello Paul
• The three last reasons why you would remain a member of AIBS have gone
• Fearless leaders copy everyone - Local Government Managers becomes Local Government Professionals! (But nothing changes)

• O’Farrell/Christian Democrats deal to reduce smut and innuendo behind removal of BPB’s Neil Cocks and Margaret Hole
• O’Farrell/Shooters and Fishers deal to cull more ferals
• Bigot Brandis moves to protect the right to be a bigot
• Ex HSU officials call for investigation into depa’s finances

Issue 64 - March 2014

• Election results declared
• 2014 election provides new blood to the Committee of Management
• Excited about April Fools’ Day?

Issue 63 - February 2014

• Has the Government got what it takes to save local government?
• Uh oh, they're back
• You don't have to be a member, but what would you do if ...
• Doing other work? What does your council do about Section 353?
• Union Picnic Day golf day cancelled this year.
• We have a new Office Manager starting on Monday 3 March.

• What’s happened to local government reform?
• Want to feel as good as Adam?
• Like to be one of our representatives on the NSW Food Regulation Forum?

Special Issue - Issue 61

• 2013 depa HR Awards

• Planning review stalled in the Upper House for three months - what could possibly go wrong now?

• Don’t tell us, we don’t want to know
• 2014 State Award negotiations off and running

• Don’t try this at work
• Is that the time? 2014 Award discussions to start next month
• “Robbo departs super … not with a whimper, but a bang”

• Sack this Council - there is nothing fair about Fairfield Part 2
• 80 jobs lost at Newcastle as GM takes an axe to the organisation
• Try not to get sacked over the next three weeks

• John and Stephen are innocent!
• Federal Court finds there is an implied term of “confidence and trust” in the employment relationship
• How not to get sacked
• We have to make some observations about the Federal election

• North Sydney presented with depa Cup
• Looks like an early favourite for our worst HR Award
• Don't get lost in action
• The 3.25% July Award increase has put some of you over the journey claim limit

• Special White Paper issue
• Yes, in your backyard
• Will the real Brad Hazzard please stand up

• Nambucca remarries first wife - after humiliating and expensive divorce
• Pace of reform agenda picks up
• “The most beautiful sight in the world is a little child going confidently down the road of life after you have shown him away” – Confucius
• Do you want your ex to get your super when you die?

• Ballina goes feral – it’s time to bring back the pineapple cake
• Hard to choose, clowns or dunces, but it was all the Board’s fault
• Paid leave for organ transplants
• Local Government Acts Taskforce - Next month

• GM and Mayor tell everyone to get Farooqed

• Look what the BPB dunces want councils to do now!

• Get a job at Liverpool and get Farooqed
• Liverpool even makes the BPB look reasonable
• depa Union Picnic Day Golf Day

• Jeeze Craig, you’d have to be joking
• Now, that is something to smile about, Gary!
• Another GM bites the dust after a dustup with the mayor
• 2013, time to play golf in our Union Picnic Day Golf Day
• Don’t forget our journey claim insurance

• 2012 depa HR Awards

• Anyone can be a Mayor, and look what they can do
• Amalgamation hysteria: the sky isn’t falling
• Bring in the clowns, the BPB thinks you can approve applications or certify compliance for members of your family!
• Your Superannuation Fund is Triple-A Rated

• How much investigation is enough?
• Danger danger, warning warning as novices gain control in September elections
• But wait! There's more.......

• Dilettantes dabble with your future - Could Destination 2036 get any worse?
• Hold the phone, how good is the technology the Council supplies you?
• Welcome Wendy
• Try not to get sacked over the next three weeks

• New planning system for NSW all about certainty for developers
• “’Public nuisance’ evicted from meeting” We’ll have more mayors like this bloke, thanks
• The latest on workers comp journey claims
• Some early entries in our "Worst HR in Local Government" annual awards
• Some clarification on members wanting help with issues that predate their membership
• And a final word about union membership - is there no limit to what the freeloaders want?

• Bad news Part 1 Government removes workers comp for home to work travel
• Bad news Part 2 DLG risks human rights and ILO Convention breaches with proposed new Code of Conduct
• It's official, urine testing is unacceptable
• Good news Part 1 State Award varied
• Good news Part 2 LGS wins Property Council Award for the best sustainable development of an existing building

• "Appalling" cuts to workers compensation could affect everyone
• IRC directs Hunter Councils to provide information in Alcohol and Other Drugs dispute
• Andrew and Jody nominated to the NSW Food Forum
• Rewarding meeting with BPB - despite loitering

• NSW Government targets sick and injured workers - Workers Comp Special

• Random testing finds no evidence of illegal drugs - anti drug zealots now on medication
• Fair Work Australia rejects urine testing again and sets other important guidelines

• Happy anniversary, Barry
• Tsunami of new blood and nothing boring in 2012 depa election results
• Great opportunity for a female EHO
• Increases in compulsory super remind us those Coalition politicians still really hate industry super funds
• Would you buy management consulting from Management Solutions?

• Like a dog with a bone, Peter Hurst is back
• Protecting your entitlements Part 1: Wingecaribee
• Protecting your entitlements Part 2: condition of employment
• Update on Alcohol and other drugs trials

• BPB kills off our endless summer by coming to a town near you
• BPB roadshow starts next month
• When is an offensive word, not an offensive word?
• depa Union Picnic Day golf day on again

• Destination 2036: Government turns a blind eye to local government reform
• Panel goes gaga trying to separate the hopeless and the nasty judging the 2011 Worst HR Award
• But wait, there is a happy note from Taree

• John Skene recruits our 1300th member
• It's now okay to call someone petite at Canterbury but be careful who you call a ****, a ******* or particularly a ******* ****
• The chickens come home to roost at Blayney
• Gosford apologises for their conga line of incompetents
• LGS continues to lead the way on its sustainable property portfolio

• Canterbury says "wash your mouth out with soap"
• Taree unbackable favourites to win 2011 Worst HR in Local Government Award
• Hold Destination 2036 - we offer a great innovation to Taree and Great Lakes
• And now for something far, far less ridiculous

• Destination 2036 demands local government reform over the next four years
• Government announces review of the EP&A Act
• Consultation on the Public Health Act Regulations
• BPB plans to nail the new and aspiring council-accredited employees in 2013
• Changes made to the Local Government (State) Award
• Some light relief at Gosford?

• Bans lifted at Blayney and DLG watches councillors behaving badly
• depa's submission to the DLG review of the Model Code of Conduct
• "Well, he's hopeless isn't he? You might as well ask the cat."
• Canterbury GM presents depa cup

• Members at Wagga Wagga vindicated as minister rejects calls for a planning administrator
• Members put ban on services to Deputy Mayor at Blayney
• FBT changes in Federal Budget will affect council cars
• Is this the right room for an argument? Here we go again at Taree

• Pizza man says "I wouldn't bother answering..." (Hurstville)
• Some progress in Drug and Alcohol dispute (Upper Hunter)
• Local Government Super wins SuperRatings Infinity Award
• What will life be like in the new New South Wales?

• Upper Hunter gets coy about their ineffective testing regime
• Freeloaders get a free lunch too at Hurtsville
• The BPB would like us to nominate someone for their TRG
• Canterbury wins 2011 depa Cup

• Upper Hunter lets the dogs out (random drug testing)
• Div of LG wakes up to tell us not to worry
• BPB reviews conflict-of-interest provisions for council accredited certifiers

• Peter Hurst could be coming to a town near you!
• Wagga Wagga dispute returns...
• LGS wins Sustainable Super Fund of the year

• Wagga Wagga dispute ends at last
• The Daily Advertiser gets a kicking from the Press Council
• Bankstown's denial of family friendly work dispute finally settled
• The year is over and we're all having a break
• and Bankstown wins "Worst HR in Local Government Award" again

• Get a bonus under the new Award
• Peter Hurst says he will apologise
• The Daily Advertiser protects the guilty
• Bernie avoids jail but it's time to go Phillip (private certifiers)
• No fee increase in 2011 and a big hint about our HR ugliness awards next issue...

• An offer we can't refuse - new Local Govt (State) award
• Ten good reasons to accept the offer

• Commission recommends LGSA agree to our claim on accrediation

• At last, some proper recognition of a Council's duty of care when employees reputations are attacked
• Who is Peter Hurst and why is he so unkind? (Wagga Wagga)
• Members on strike at Taree
• We stop Parramatta Council charging employees for bringing their leaseback cars to work!
• BPB rethinks legislative problems and conflict of interest
• We ask the Division of Local Government to do something!

• But first... Special report from a meeting with the BPB
• Progress with accrediting council staff
• Conflict of interest issues
• Transitional provisions
• Fines under the BPB Act 2005
• The issue of discipline generally
• Woo hoo, look at LGS returns

• We have rewarding meeting with BPB
• NSW government does the right thing on GIPA
• Progress in State Award negotiations
• Hackers win depa Cup. And the Mayor presents the Cup
• We are involved in how many disputes?
• And is there anyone we would like to have a dispute with?

• We might not like it, but get accredited now
• LGS kills off any merger with EIS
• Consultation on Public Health Bill lumbers on

• BPB confirms no Council staff will be fined
• and it looks like council will get the levels of accrediation they ask for...
• NSW Health starts to get their act together on Public Health Bill consultation
• State Electoral Office declares new officials and a new Committee of Management
• Award discussions take off
• Bullying, bastardry and belligerence at Bankstown (and that's only the B words)
• TAFE needs Causal Trainers/Assessors for the Diploma Local Government (Environmental Health and Building)
• Does it get any better than playing golf on a perfect day, celebrating Union Picnic Day, at the depa Golf Day at Blackheath?
• Apology to Beverley Giegerl and Richard Powis

• BPB folly to accredit council employees to start today!
• There's a new Public Health Bill - and it's been a well-kept secret
• And the Attorney General's Department is not doing a bad job of not telling people what is going on either
• At last, some movement on the 2010 Local Government (State) Award negotiations
• 2010 Log of Claims Local Government (State) Award - Part 1
• USU firms up its opposition to any merger of EIS and LGS - but do we smell a rat?

• Local Govt (State) Award discussions to start in March
• BPB Version 3 consultation about to close
• A reminder about access to industrial tribunals for senior staff
• No developments (as far as we can tell) on secret superannuation merger plans
• depa Golf Day on again this year - and not just for golfers
• Introducing Ben Douglas Robertson

• No fee increase in 2010
• Help you with recruitment
• BPB still working at avoiding creating the monster
• What's UWS doing with the environmental health course?
• Superannuation dispute almost resolved
• Best practice NSW Industrial Relations Commission to continue for local government employees
• Councillors behaving badly at Parramatta
• 2010 Award discussions to start early next year

• Understanding the monster (and some bad news for EHOs)
• BPB accreditation of council staff
• UWS looks at dumping Environment and Health degree program next year

• Accreditation proposals look impossible - but BPB commits not to create a monster
• Can your Council continue to do what it is doing now, with its existing staff, under these guidelines?

• Parramatta Councillors discover there is a new Local Government Act
• Only the really unpleasant councils left in super/TRP dispute
• Accreditation of council staff: is no news, good news?
• depa, the LGSA and the USU have met to try to develop a common approach to drug and alcohol policies

• Shock horror: BPB kills off B1 and B2
• Two vacancies on the Committee of Management close on Friday 31 July
• Commission endorses depa’s super/trp campaign that Council should pay the increased compulsory employer contribution - and now more than 100 councils are paying
• Which is the worst council?
• Pittwater struggles to get it right and depa fixes a problem for everyone
• 2009 Health and Building Surveyors Conference Reunion

• Commission puts brakes on the Belligerent Seven

• Dispute Filed with 83 Councils

• Today is the International Day of Mourning
• Members at Taree show how to do it
• Food Authority gives the BPB a lesson in consultation
• Careful what you say on Facebook (or even Twitter)
• Superannuation and members on contracts or TRPs
• LGSS attacked over the increase employer contribution

• LGSS increases "compulsory employer contributions" by 240%

• But we met with them nevertheless (BPB)
• Sue and Neil aren't the only ones to keep the guild hostility alive
• Urgent survey: Any unqualified people out there?
• BPB CEO Neil Cocks replies
• And in March, time for something different

• President Sue Holliday sets the trap
• Looks like trouble to us
• Local Government asks for its own consultation
• The trap is sprung
• Shame, Sue, Shame
• Who does the AIBS represent now?
• What should councils and council staff do now?

• Our primary task in 2009
• What, no fee rise in 2009?
• Welcome to Jim Boyce and welcome back to Andrew Spooner
• We are closing on Tuesday and wish you the best for Christmas and the New Year

• The BPB wants to survey "council building certification officers"
• First things first - don't respond to the survey
• Why would you accredit council officers?
• Why do we oppose accreditation of council staff?
• Some useful links
• Some unanswered questions about accreditation of council staff
• Please attend the State-wide BPB workshops
• And why not wear one of our campaign t-shirts.

• But what does the BPB really need?
• Forget Etheridge, Red Hot Rees gives WorkChoices a shellacking?
• Another fool rushes in - and this time it's a General Manager
• LGSS terminates contribution holiday
• DLG and Department of Water and Energy wreak havoc with plumbing inspections
• A good time to have your money under the bed

• Etheridge and protection from Federal industrial laws
• Meanwhile, the fools are rushing in...
• What does the Building Professionals Amendment Act 2008 mean for councils and council staff?
• Having a bad day? Things could be worse: you could be Michael Costa or Morris Iemma

• Federal Court rejects WorkChoices
• "Fools rush in" competition

• Bad things always happen in the middle of the night (EP&A)
• NSW Food Authority gets it right!
• A new Code of Conduct will affect Council staff
• Lake Macquarie decides not to proceed with random drug and alcohol testing
• Some good advice in a bad year for superannuation returns

• The lunatics have taken over the asylum (BP amendment bill)
• The fantasy of a level playing field
• Government proposes accreditation of Council “certifiers” in 2004.
• And now they do it again in 2008
• What does the 2008 Exposure Draft Bill do?
• And there is an exposure draft Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2008 too!
• We make Hornsby rethink its obsession about random drug and alcohol testing
• Lithgow triumphs at depa Golf Day

• FOI application flushes out hoax of "public consultation"
• And the winner is...Part I
• And the winner is...Part II
• Hornsby gets gung ho on random drug and alcohol testing

• Sex Lies and development (ICAC)
• depa fesses up on our dinner with Frank
• Some great responses in our "Let me be Frank with you" competition
• Another great competition for March
• Committee resolves policy of opposing random drug and alcohol testing
• Committee of Management elections
• Sydney Council rediscovers 19 day month

• A competition for everyone (and not just members) to put a smile on faces in 2008
• Minister’s office rejects depa’s application under FOI and we file an appeal
• At a time of stock-market crises, here is some good news about LGSS
• Good News 1: LGSS nominated as Sustainable Super Fund of the Year
• Good News 2: Knocking Co 2 off the old office block
• Good News 3: If you’re interested in sustainability…
• depa Golf Day 2008: Will Bankstown retain the depa Cup?

• Howard reproduces 1929 disgrace
• What does the change of government mean for WorkChoices and NSW local government?
• Oh no, more stupid proposals on planning reform and we file an FOI application to see the draft bill
• Oh no, the Department of Local Government stuffs up changes to senior staff contracts (again!)
• Interested in that the Diploma of Local Government (Health and Building Assessment)?
• Season’s greetings and a happy New Year

• Not everyone's cup of tea but Work Choices is here to stay
• Small business of the year, cripes, how do they keep doing this?

• Love him or loathe him (2007 Federal election)
• And what about the Local Government (State) Award?
• Membership Update

• "In principle" agreement reached on the new Local Government (State) Award
• Not a cardigan to be seen
• Workchoices just keeps looking worse
• Random Drug and Alcohol Testing at work.

• New depths plumbed in unsophisticated debate on industrial relations policy
• Getting a pay increase in November. Eight frequently asked questions
• Some councils want non-union members on Consultative Committees - and we don't

• Part 3A fiasco imminent
• Independent assessment fiasco next?
• Private Certifiers fiasco continues
• Food Authority creates Newcastle fiasco
• No fairness in Fairfield fiasco

• Everyone now agrees, WorkChoices stinks
• What's happening with Referral Agreements?
• And now for something completely different …
• Something old, something blue …
• Jody is going on holidays

• NSW elections - but BIG differences on industrial relations
• Award discussions get under way
• Bankstown wins depa cup
• Going, going, gone. Woods stands down as Chair of LGSS
• Have you sent your Tax File Number to the LGSS

• Nothing clear about councils and WorkChoices
• FAQ about WorkChoices
• It's time to Go Peter, Part III
• depa Golf Day

• It's time to go Peter, Part II
• Who gets the AFPC increase
• Councils continue to sign Referral Agreements
• What to do if your local irritating HR Manager offers you an AWA
• What, no fee increases in 2007?
• Have a fabulous break
• BONUS: How Not to Get Sacked

• 40,000 March in Sydney
• High Court decides WorkChoices is constitutional
• Do we get the Fair Pay Commission pay increase?
• What would be the smart thing for councils to do now?
• When will we know if we get the $22.30?

• More and more councils sign Referral Agreements
• Beware the Internal Ombudsman
• Cars,cars and more cars. Arguments about cars, that is
• BPB crashes into Burwood
• All disputes settled at Bankstown!
• It's time to go, Peter
• Who cares about Garrett v Freeman
• We welcome two organisations rising from the ashes...
• Whoops, we thought that Food Authority had it all under control
• "An Inconvenient Truth"

• Senior Staff Contracts
• Cars
• Superannuation Returns

• We make Cooma-Monaro apologise to members
• Avoiding WorkChoices
• Canterbury does the right thing (at last) to protect their staff
• .Canterbury introduces smoke-free workplace
• .What can be done about the shortage of planners?
• A new Committee of Management for 2005/2006
• 2006 recruitment campaign announced
• .Private certifiers give us all a good laugh!

• WorkChoices starts on Monday 27 March
• Can NSW Govt save us from WorkChoices
• What is the BPB up to with council statistics
• depa Golf Day

• BPB and Councils
• Bankstown - 13 prosecutions for Award breaches
• What should a council do when an employee is assaulted
• A new competition
• No fee increase in union fees in 2006

• What happens to the Award under WorkChoices?
• Clauses at risk in the Local Government (State) Award

• What WorkChoices could really mean for you

• Member's action wins an apology from Nambucca
• Some new ministers and good riddance to Craig
• Costa to axe Building Professionals' Board
• Recruit our 1400th member and get $500
• What does Section 353 of the Local Government Act mean?

• Howard Government attacks you at work
• We win fight for family-friendly work at Bankstown
• Win in an appointment dispute at Canterbury
• North Sydney team thrashes everyone at depa golf day

• Pushing out boundaries and protecting ourselves
• Play nicely kids or else
• BPB considers accrediting councils
• Federal Government attacks Unions

• Restrictions on term contracts
• Gosford Triumph
• Changes to our legal service
• Delegate training

• DIPNR under pressure
• Have you seen our submission
• We make another helpful suggestion to the BPB!
• depa proposes amendments to Local Government Act

• The idea the customer is always right is wrong
• Gosford heroes on strike for more staff
• Award gets closer to settlement
• Who does the AIBS think they are speaking for?

• Two fresh faces on committee of management
• We lodge 2004 Log of Claims with LGSA
• Minister loses her favorite town!
• Are you working at a "toxic" Council?

• Expanded complying development - what lies ahead?
• Committee of Management election in 2004
• 2004 Award discussions to start soon
• Development in contracts campaign

• Task force wants lunatics in charge of asylum
• IRC Nails Marrickville
• DIPNA nor Dept of Commerce want to accredit certifiers
• no fee rise for 2004

• We challenge the legality of term contracts
• What does the ICAC think about term employment?
• Crashing through or crashing on planning reform?
• Amalgamation pressures continue
• On a lighter note, anyone for golf?
• What to do about boofhead councillors?

• Council Amalgamations
• Regulate or not regulate senior staff?
• Craig Knowles is back..
• Term Contracts
• Complaints about private certifiers
• Anyone interested in food survellance?
• Hello Emma!

• We are depa and here is another chance to win $500
• Marrickville pleads guilty
• A strategic alliance with the Planning Institute of Australia
• Historic salary dispute is finished
• Lessons for everyone from the Sydney boundary changes
• An attitude to inter-union committees
• Goodbye Moira, Hello Carol

• Everyone loves depa!
• And the winner is...
• Committee of management co-opts Graham Gardiner
• Marrickville heroes launch industrial campaign
• Another warning about email and internet policies
• Been temporary for long?
• LGSS resolves to not appeal supreme court decision

• No fee rise for 2003!
• More protection in term contacts result from Gosford dispute.
• We can make Fairfield provide salary sacrifice at no cost
• Reasonable working hours and RDO's.
• What's in a name? A choice for members
• LGSS in Supreme Court
• Now is a good time to complain about private certifiers
• Fair Trading to do something about shonky builders
• Happy Xmas and New Year

• New gradings and 10 more cars at Wollongong set a new standard.
• We've advertised by can't get anyone.."
• We still hate term contracts and we're doing something about it.
• Only union members get Picnic Day
• Anyone working unreasonable hours?
• Think you might be redundant?
• $500 still available!
• Putting superannuation returns into perspective

• We make Warringah introduce salary sacrificing for cars.
• "What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."
• Council certifiers to be accredited
• LGSS has a day in the Supreme Court
• Freeloaders to be hit with service fees?
• Freeloaders to miss out on Union Picnic Day?
• Ehabsa and the AIBS
• But he also said this about council certifiers..

• Shock news: Government sets up inquiry into private certification!
• The AIBS says you all want to be accredited, can this be true?
• LGSS about to have it's day in court
• Election results declared
• We love planners

• Private cars under threat
• Restructuring and the spilling of positions
• Term contract successfully opposed at Quanbeyan
• All office holders and COM positions up for grabs!
• Pay your fees annually?
• Salary sacrifice available from 1 April
• Private certification hits the fan

• New Award made on 1 November
• Having problems with salary packaging?
• Triumph at Eurobodalla on the nine-day fortnight
• Fees for 2002. We'd love to reduce the fees and you can help!
• What's happening about the LGSS surplus?
• People who make our lives difficult.