Albury's new council chief tackles $18.9 million debt with no quick fix

Albury's newly appointed CEO Jason Gordon said there is no simple solution to the council's $18.9 million debt, which may require steep rate increases and potential job losses.

Why it mattersThe scale of Albury's debt and potential 40-plus per cent rate rises will hit ratepayers hard and force difficult choices between service cuts, price hikes, and staff losses.

AustraliaAlbury residents could see sharp rate rises and reduced council services if the city cannot find savings quickly, while other Australian councils facing similar financial stress will watch how Gordon's approach unfolds.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 20 h ago

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NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce retiring March 2027

Susan Pearce, who has led NSW Health for over three decades, is retiring in March 2027.

Why it mattersNSW Health's next leader will shape care and services for millions of Australians. Pearce's exit creates a leadership vacuum at a time when the system faces staffing and demand pressures.

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Albanese defends $560 million grant program after pork-barrelling report

A report found Labor-held seats received almost three-quarters of $560 million. It came from the government's Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program.