POWER WITHOUT ACCOUNTABILITY IS A
RECIPE FOR DISASTER AND CORRUPTION
Local investigations
Public accountability
Keeping them honest
👋 Welcome to Council Watch Australia
Shining a light on your local government.
At Council Watch Australia, we believe ratepayers deserve transparency, accountability, and value for money.
We’re a national watchdog committed to exposing waste, highlighting governance failures, and standing up for the communities that councils are meant to serve.
Whether it’s skyrocketing rates, shady deals, dodgy planning decisions, or taxpayer-funded junkets, we track it, report it, and fight back. Our mission is simple: to hold councils across the country to account — from Broome to Ballarat, Parramatta to Port Lincoln.
🔍 Investigations. 📣 Advocacy. 💬 Community Voice. 📊 Data-driven insights.
We’re not funded by government. We don’t play party politics. We’re here for you — the residents, ratepayers, and businesses who expect better from their local council.
If you think your council has forgotten who it works for, you’re not alone.
Join the growing movement for real local democracy and clean governance.
👉 Welcome to Council Watch. Eyes on every council. All across Australia.
DONATE OR JOIN
TODAY
Thank you for your interest in supporting our work
We rely on donations and new members to help our investigative work.
We are the people's leader in exposing dodgy councils.
To JOIN or DONATE, just fill in the form below.
You can then pay via Credit Card. (We do not keep any credit cards on file).
If you have any trouble joining, you can email us with your contact details, and we will call you to help you over the phone - just send an email to info@councilwatch.com.au
What we do?
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We use social media in local communities to fill the void of local newspapers.
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We collectively source data and publish it to hold Councils accountable.
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We extensively work with the Media to address issues.
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We lobby state lawmakers and Councillors to improve local government.
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We raise up local groups of people and empower them to take on their local council.
More than ever, amidst a cost-of-living crisis - we need value and efficiency from our councils.
Your membership funds are used for basic services for all members, and to conduct research in the public interest. Committee members receive no pay. We use our own phones, our own time and our own skills and experience. We are committed, professional and persistent.
Like any volunteer organisation, we are limited by money - so donating or becoming a member is the best way you can support us.
If you are unable to pay by credit card/debit card, you may pay via Bank Account transfer:
BSB 063-855
Account 1012 7765
Please make sure you provide details for us to match your payment.
Members will have access to:
Council Historical Decisions
Local Government Facts & Info
Local Gov Act info
VAGO, Ombudsman & Inspectorate reports
Legal Decisions involving Councils
Freedom of Information help
Councillor contacts by Council
Council Satisfaction Surveys
Councillor and Staff Personal Interest Returns
AND MUCH MORE
