Leadership and Behavioural Management Review

The Leadership and Behavioural Management Review is the first statewide assessment of council culture, leadership and behaviour practices in SA local government.

LGA commissioned the review following concerns raised by a Parliamentary motion in June 2025 by the Hon Connie Bonaros MLC, calling for an inquiry into bullying and harassment in local government.

The review was independently delivered by organisational psychosocial and research experts at Flinders University and provides a clear, evidence-based picture of:

• sector strengths
• current challenges
• opportunities for improvement.

Findings from the review will guide future action to strengthen leadership, respectful behaviour, safety and wellbeing, and council culture.

Final report and insights summary

Access the full review report and key documents:

• Final report from Flinders University (PDF 3.6 MB): Detailed methodology, findings and recommendations.
• Insights summary from LGA (PDF 2.1 MB): Key themes, major findings and LGA’s response.
• LGA Media Release

Participation in the review

The review included broad participation from across South Australia:

• 252 survey responses
• 53 interviews conducted
• representation from metro and regional councils
• participation from all 7 local government regions
• input from mayors, elected members, CEOs, executives and senior council staff.

Recommendations

The review produced 35 recommendations across three focus areas:

• System level: Strengthening governance frameworks, behavioural management processes and sector-wide support systems.
• Council level: Improving leadership, organisational culture, wellbeing and psychological safety.
• Individual level: Building leadership capability, behavioural expectations and professional development.

LGA response

LGA welcomes the findings of the review and acknowledges both the strengths and challenges identified.

The review confirms that councils across South Australia are committed to serving their communities and delivering positive outcomes. It also highlights behaviours that are unacceptable and must be addressed.

LGA condemns bullying, harassment and harmful behaviour in all forms.

LGA has identified a range of initiatives aligned with the review's recommendations, including:

• developing a new Early Intervention Advisory Service to help councils resolve behavioural issues before they escalate
• enhancing induction and training programs for elected members
• expanding leadership development opportunities
• ongoing Behavioural Standards Risk Management support through LGA Mutual
• improving governance resources and behavioural management guidance
• continuing to collaborate with councils and the State Government on behavioural management reform.

LGA continue to work with Members, the State Government and sector stakeholders to consider and respond to the review's recommendations.