Council member training strengthened ahead of 2027 local government elections

The LGA Training Standards for Council Members provides the prescribed mandatory requirements for council members in South Australia.

The standards outline the modules, learning outcomes and timeframes for completion that support effective governance, informed decision-making and strong community leadership throughout the council term.

First introduced in 2014, the Standards were updated in 2022 alongside comprehensive local government reforms.

To ensure the standards remain relevant, LGA conducted a further review and feedback from the local government sector has informed the following changes:

• new principles of training, with a stronger focus on leadership capability, effective working relationships and engaging, interactive learning
• new learning requirements covering community representation and engagement
• greater clarity around the timing and delivery of training for councils and training providers.

LGA South Australia President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said the Standards support council members to perform their roles effectively, ethically and in line with legislative obligations.

“Induction, training and ongoing learning all build the capability, knowledge and strong working relationships that council members need to serve their communities effectively,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.

“The role of a council member requires a broad range of skills, as well as a strong commitment to delivering strategic improvements.

“Training helps new Mayors and councillors understand how council works, their role in decision-making, and the structures and processes that support them to perform their roles effectively.

“Returning Mayors and councillors also need to keep up with legislative and policy changes, continue developing their skills and remain open to learning as they work together as a new council team.

“Importantly, the updated Standards has a key focus on ‘working together’, ensuring council members take a collective approach on issues that have wide community impact.”

Local Government Minister, the Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP said the updated Standards give South Australians renewed confidence that their local leaders understand their roles and responsibilities clearly when representing their communities.

“Communities expect Mayors and Councillors to work effectively as a governing body, to foster a collaborative culture – even when personal or political differences exist,” Minister Pearce said.

“The LGA Training Standards is an important opportunity to invest in leadership of council members in the training they need to carry out their elected duties to the highest standard.

“The strengthened framework will not only raise the bar for council members, but also give councils and prospective training providers greater certainty to plan and have training ready to deliver as soon as the new council term begins next year.”

Under the Standards, new and returning council members will complete five leadership competencies in working together, leadership on council, effective council meetings, strategic leadership and effective financial management, and strengthening their interpersonal and technical skills.

These modules must be completed within the first 12 months of the new four-year council term, to satisfy requirements in Section 80A of the Local Government Act 1999 (the Local Government Act) and Regulation 8AA of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2013.

Photo caption: LGA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross and Local Government Minister, the Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP launching the updated LGA Training Standards for Council Members.

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