I have just spent the last few days in Hobart Tasmania at the Local Government Manager Australia (LGMA)’s premier event the National Congress and Business Expo. The event sought to identify Local Government’s role in creating ‘Great Society’. It featured outstanding speakers including Bob Brown, Melbourne CEO Dr Kathy Alexander, Bob Ansett, futurist Mark Pesce, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Therese Rein, leading a great dialogue on the ‘Value of a CEO’.
It was arguably one of the best Local Government events ever conducted thanks to the strong participation of the 370 Australian and international delegates. One of the highlights were presentations from three young standout performers in the Australasia Management Challenge – Naomi Marsh from Adelaide City, Melinda Gordon from Wanneroo City and Jane Thomas from Greater Geelong. They each provided outstanding presentations on a Community Engagement framework. Local Government’s future is in good hands as we watch our young talent emerge.
Consistent themes through the event included building trust in the community through effective engagement, transparency and accountability for our actions. Whilst Local Government is arguably the most trusted sphere of Government we need to leverage the amazing talent within the community to innovate and build social capital.
Whilst several themes emerged around the role and value of the CEO it is evident none is more important than the CEO’s role in setting an example for behaviours that build a strong, positive, achievement focused culture. Someone that can build trust and respect by having credibility, honesty and integrity.
At the conclusion of the congress I accepted the National President role for the next 12 months. In doing so I emphasised the vision of advancing excellence in Local Government. This vision cannot be achieved while matters such as the capacity of the Federal Government to fund Local Government is subject to challenge. That is why Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)’s campaign for the right for financial recognition of Local Government must be supported effectively by the professionals in the sector. The LGMA wishes to support the ALGA in this campaign.
Another cloud that continues to detract from the sector’s effectiveness is the gender imbalance that is reflected in Local Government senior ranks. How can we make decisions reflective of our community’s expectation when sometimes those decisions don’t receive effective consideration from a more diverse base? The LGMA, as it has before, will continue to promote the advancement of women into senior management ranks of Local Government. We wish to promote and support the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) strategy of advancing gender equality.
The LGMA operates within a federation model with each of the states playing a vital role in delivering quality services and vital representation for their professionals. I will be seeking to leverage that great work from our states by continuing to improve communication within the group.
The process of Local Government structural reform is at various stages across the country. It is important that the outcomes are carefully considered and ultimately in the best interests of the community.
It is evident that countries within our region are at different stages of developing a strong framework of local government. Our participation in programs that assist our neighbours is in everyone’s interest. It also provides an opportunity for our professionals to improve skills and to develop personally. We have formed several partnerships in recent times and will continue in this role.
The coming year brings with it several challenges and opportunities for local government. Local government is not just about costs and services, and with the community effectively engaged it will emerge a stronger more resilient and more effective sphere of government.
