New independent chair to help local councils address serious or repeated misbehaviour

A former South Australian of the Year, Dr Lewis is a highly respected figure bringing extensive local government experience to the role serving consecutive terms as City of Marion Mayor for 14 years.

Since this time, Felicity-ann has continued to work closely with councils to deliver elected member training, strategic planning support and induction programs, while also chairing the Dog and Cat Management Board, Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Board, and sitting on the Australian Press Council and Green Adelaide Board.

Local Government Minister, the Hon Joe Szakacs MP congratulated Dr Lewis and highlighted her extensive local government background as a huge asset to the Panel.

“Dr Lewis has spent a lifetime in local government, and seen how the processes of councils work from the inside-out. She will bring significant lived experience to the role, which will be highly valuable in setting and maintaining high standards,” he said.

“There is no place in local government for behaviour which threatens the wellbeing or health and safety of others. Ratepayers rightly expect councillors to act with integrity and be focussed on delivering outcomes for the communities they serve.

“As a former elected member, Felicity-ann has devoted herself to serving and representing her community – whether it be on council, as a member of Probus Clubs or leading local sporting organisations.

“She’s been an advocate for local government throughout her long-standing career – I’m confident her knowledge and experience will provide strong leadership for the Behavioural Standards Panel over the coming term.

“I also thank outgoing chair Thilan Legierse for her dedication in helping establish the Panel and ensuring it has a strong foundation to build upon into the future.”

The state government worked with LGA and councils on reforms in 2021 which led to introduction of the Behavioural Standards Panel in November 2022 as part of a suite of measures in the Behavioural Management Framework, which replaced the previous Code of Conduct system.

When councils are unable to resolve serious or repeated behavioural matters internally, they can refer them to the Panel for independent judgment and, where appropriate, sanctioning.

At the same time, LGA President, Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said LGA was launching several new activities to support behaviour management including a review to better understand areas of strength and improvement in the system.

“Alongside a process to look at the current framework, LGA will be establishing an early intervention panel and exploring new processes to identify behavioural issues sooner and resolve them faster,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.

“When it comes to behaviour, councils make decisions that have direct impact on the communities they serve, so we know decision-making must be robust and ideas debated and tested thoroughly within the council chamber.

“These conversations are often passionate and spirited – as they should be – but they should never overstep the line so that anyone feels unsafe in their role. Respect and inclusivity must always be front of mind and poor behaviour won’t be tolerated.

“We’ve seen from their recent decision that the Behavioural Standards Panel are willing to exercise their new powers to suspend elected members for unacceptable behaviour.

“LGA looks forward to continuing our positive working relationship with Minister Szakacs, the Office of Local Government and the Panel throughout our consultation process and we welcome opportunities to strengthen sector leadership and manage council member behaviour into the future.”

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