Honouring My Grandfather: Reflections for Remembrance Day
Each Remembrance Day, I pause to think of my grandfather, who served in the Australian Army during World War II. […]
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Why NSW and Victorian Councils Should Embrace Service Charges
In New South Wales and Victoria, councils face the dual challenge of delivering essential services while operating within the constraints
Why NSW and Victorian Councils Should Embrace Service Charges Read Post »
Why Rate Capping Will Break New Zealand’s Local Communities: A Dangerous Import That Undermines NZ Councils
There is growing political discussion in New Zealand around the idea of introducing rate capping, an approach already implemented in
Rates Capping in Queensland: Balancing Protection and Fairness
In Queensland, councils can implement rates capping, a policy designed to limit the percentage increase in rates for individual properties.
Rates Capping in Queensland: Balancing Protection and Fairness Read Post »
Happy New (Financial) Year! 🎉
Some people count down to midnight with fireworks, confetti, and a glass of bubbly. But for those of us working
Happy New (Financial) Year! 🎉 Read Post »
Exploring the Pros and Cons of a Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC)
The Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) is a fixed rate charged equally to all rateable properties within a council’s jurisdiction.
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Intergenerational Equity: Why It Must Be at the Heart of Local Government Financial Planning
Local governments are responsible for more than just delivering services and maintaining infrastructure in the present—they also must ensure that
Understanding SUIPs: The Pros and Cons of Separately Used or Inhabited Parts of a Property
The concept of Separately Used or Inhabited Parts (SUIPs) of a property is an integral aspect of rating systems in
Moving from Land Value to Capital-Improved Value: The Case for Change
For decades, many New Zealand councils have based their rating systems on land value, where rates are calculated solely on
Moving from Land Value to Capital-Improved Value: The Case for Change Read Post »
The Silent Crisis in Council Finance
Councils are facing a silent crisis. As funding pressures mount and service demands grow, the margin for error in financial
The Silent Crisis in Council Finance Read Post »
.NET Web Developer Wanted!
Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for crafting exceptional web experiences? Ibis Information Systems is looking for a
.NET Web Developer Wanted! Read Post »
Customer Support Shouldn’t Feel Like a Horror Movie – But It Often Does
Picture this: your software is acting up. Maybe it’s refusing to save, maybe an error message has appeared that might
Customer Support Shouldn’t Feel Like a Horror Movie – But It Often Does Read Post »
Remembering the ANZACs This Anzac Day
As Anzac Day approaches, we pause to honour the brave men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army
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The Glacier That Keeps Moving: What It Taught Us About Asset Classification
You’re standing on a steel walkway, high in the Southern Alps. It stretches out before you, winding its way toward
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The Pitfalls of Too Many Targeted Rates in New Zealand Councils
Targeted rates are an essential tool for councils, allowing specific groups of ratepayers to contribute directly to the costs of
The Pitfalls of Too Many Targeted Rates in New Zealand Councils Read Post »
When Every Dollar Counts: Why Councils Must Get Financial Planning Right
In local government, every dollar is more than a number—it represents a road repaired, a family supported, or a park
When Every Dollar Counts: Why Councils Must Get Financial Planning Right Read Post »
Rates Modelling Fiascos That Make You Go ‘What?!’
Imagine this: a council accidentally sets a zero rate on residential properties for an entire financial year. Sounds like a
Rates Modelling Fiascos That Make You Go ‘What?!’ Read Post »
Councils Must Plan Smartly—Freezing Rates Now Will Cost Communities Later
The cost of living across Australia and New Zealand has become a harsh reality for many. Homeownership is slipping further
Councils Must Plan Smartly—Freezing Rates Now Will Cost Communities Later Read Post »
Practitioner’s View: “Getting Rates Modelling Right: Insights from the Front Line”
As a rates modelling specialist, I’ve seen it all—missing data, conflicting priorities, and even the occasional “we didn’t know that
Practitioner’s View: “Getting Rates Modelling Right: Insights from the Front Line” Read Post »
The Hidden Costs of Poor Planning and Inefficient Systems in Council Operations
Within local government, sound financial management is not just about keeping the books balanced; it is about ensuring the sustainability
The Hidden Costs of Poor Planning and Inefficient Systems in Council Operations Read Post »
The Woes of Rates Capping: Lessons from NSW and Victoria
Rates capping, also known as rates pegging, has been a contentious policy in New South Wales and Victoria for years.
The Woes of Rates Capping: Lessons from NSW and Victoria Read Post »