Independent review into local government leadership and behaviour in South Australia

LGA South Australia has engaged Flinders University to conduct an independent Local Government Leadership and Behaviour Review, with the support of the Equal Opportunity Commissioner.

The review will examine good governance practices and undertake a robust assessment of the behavioural issues present in the local government sector, identifying what works and what can be improved to strengthen council capability.

The review will also seek the perspectives and views of former and current council members who have served within this term of council, along with CEOs and relevant staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of leadership and culture across the sector.

A final report, outlining key recommendations, is expected to be published in December.

LGA South Australia President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said the independent review would assess the conduct of council members in performing their roles and provide any necessary recommendations to strengthen existing processes.

“Mayors and councillors have enormous responsibilities and are accountable to their communities – people rightly expect council chambers to be robust yet respectful, inclusive and professional spaces. This review is an important undertaking to help ensure these standards are being met,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.

“This independent process, led by Flinders University, will explore what more can be done to create safer and more constructive environments for mayors and councillors to ensure they are best supported to represent their communities.

“While most council members carry themselves with integrity, respect and professionalism, we acknowledge there are some disruptors within councils who behave poorly and below the standards expected of them.

“The independent review will look at the civil and collaborative working cultures that exist in councils and recommend how we can devise better ways, and implement stronger processes, to manage behavioural challenges when they arise.

“This is about driving cultural change that strengthens trust in local government and supports council members to be effective leaders for their communities.”

Local Government Minister, the Hon Joe Szakacs MP welcomed the review.

“South Australians rightfully expect their council mayors and elected members to be working constructively and collaboratively to deliver in their best interests,” Minister Szakacs said.

"When mayors and councillors behave poorly, it's not only frustrating for residents and ratepayers, but also for the vast majority of elected members who are working for the good of their communities each and every day.

“This is an important and timely review given the new framework and Behavioural Standards Panel have now been in effect for nearly three years.

“This review provides the sector with an opportunity to better understand what is and isn’t working to ensure all councils are meeting community expectations on behaviour and conduct.

“I commend the LGA and its president Mayor Holmes-Ross for their leadership.”

Equal Opportunity SA Commissioner Jodeen Carney said the independent review presents an important opportunity to understand what’s working well and where improvements are needed.

“Equal Opportunity SA fully supports the LGA’s initiative and welcomes the chance to listen, learn and contribute to building a stronger, more respectful culture across the local government sector,” Commissioner Carney said.

“We look forward to receiving the findings of the review.”

Flinders University Senior Research Fellow in Human Factors, Dr Valerie O’Keeffe said this valuable research would identify strengths and effective practices within councils.

“In uncertain and challenging times, pressures are felt in all areas of life including our work. The need for strong leadership, co-operation and respectful interactions has never been greater to keep on delivering strongly for communities,” Dr O’Keeffe said.

“Drawing on the experiences of mayors, councillors, CEOs and key staff, we aim to understand the nature of behaviours commonly experienced in the council’s elected body, identify the factors that drive these behaviours and develop strategies to foster active leadership and effective teamwork.”

Council members, including CEOs and key staff, will have the opportunity to learn more about the review, its anticipated outcomes and participate through a survey and various in-person interviews.

The Local Government Leadership and Behaviour Review forms part of LGA’s Strengthening Council Capability Program, which aims to support council member behaviour by strengthening leadership capabilities and council culture.

This works builds on LGA’s existing supports available for council member leadership development, including free Behavioural Standards Risk Management service as well as training.

The review complements a parliamentary motion from the Hon Connie Bonaros MLC in June, calling for the Equal Opportunity Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into bullying and harassment in the local government sector.

Find out more

For media enquiries, please contact media@lga.sa.gov.au or 0476 853 689.