Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) is rolling out a pilot program aimed at giving councils flexible, targeted human resources support while reducing costs and improving efficiency.
The pilot is designed to help South Australian councils manage common workforce pressures, including increased workloads, tight deadlines and complex industrial relations matters, by providing access to shared specialist expertise when it is most needed.
The initiative aligns with LGASA’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and its commitment to delivering shared services that reduce duplication and lift capability across the sector.
Under the proposed model, LGASA will partner with councils to provide additional HR capacity, particularly during peak demand periods or when councils are dealing with staff vacancies or major change programs.
The pilot is expected to offer a range of services, including short-term HR capacity uplift, support with complex industrial and employee relations matters, and project-based assistance such as workforce planning, job design and organisational change. Support for policy development and review, aligned with legislative and sector requirements, and the use of artificial intelligence in HR functions are also being considered.
Participation in the program will be voluntary, with councils able to opt in if the pilot is approved following sector consultation. A strong focus on co-design will ensure the final model reflects the needs of councils of all sizes.
To guide the development of the pilot, LGASA has engaged an independent consultant from KPPM Strategy to gather feedback from councils through a sector-wide survey and focus groups. The focus groups are scheduled for February and April, with the survey to be released to councils in March.
The feedback will shape the pilot’s scope, service model and delivery approach.
Affordability, particularly for small, regional and remote councils, will be a key consideration in the final design. Costs, value and service scope will be clearly communicated before councils are asked to participate, with options such as scalable service levels or alternative funding approaches to be explored to minimise barriers to entry.
LGASA will also continue working with the sector to identify further opportunities for shared services that deliver value and strengthen support for councils.
