A first-of-its-kind review into leadership and behaviour in South Australian local government has identified a series of reforms aimed at improving governance, workplace culture and wellbeing across the sector.
The Local Government Leadership and Behavioural Management Review, commissioned by Local Government Association (LGA) South Australia, outlines ten key findings and 35 recommendations following an independent examination of leadership and behavioural issues in councils.
The review was conducted by organisational psychosocial and research experts from Flinders University following a parliamentary motion by the Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC in June 2025 calling for an inquiry into bullying and harassment in local government.
Drawing on 252 survey responses and 53 in-depth interviews with mayors, councillors, chief executive officers and council staff from metropolitan and regional councils, the review identified recommendations across three areas:
- System-level improvements to governance frameworks, behavioural management processes and sector-wide support mechanisms
- Council-level actions to strengthen leadership, culture, psychological safety and organisational practices
- Individual-level initiatives focused on leadership capability, behavioural expectations, education and professional development
LGA South Australia President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross, said the review provides the most comprehensive evidence base developed on leadership and behavioural management in the state’s local government sector.
“This review confirms what many of us already know – councils across South Australia are filled with dedicated people who care deeply about their communities and work every day to deliver positive outcomes for residents,” Holmes-Ross said.
“The review also confirms that poor behaviour, while not representative of the sector as a whole, can have serious impacts on individuals, councils and communities when it occurs.
“Bullying, harassment and harmful behaviour are unacceptable in any workplace, including local government. Any behaviour that undermines wellbeing, health and safety, effective governance or democratic decision-making cannot be tolerated.”
Holmes-Ross said the review was commissioned to provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of leadership and behavioural management across the sector.
“We are pleased to release the findings and recommendations, because transparency matters and meaningful improvement starts with honest conversations,” Holmes-Ross said.
Holmes-Ross said the strong participation rate demonstrated a willingness across the sector to examine performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
“This review reflects the experiences, insights and improvement ideas of people working across local government and provides a roadmap for strengthening leadership, governance and council culture into the future,” Holmes-Ross said.
LGA South Australia will now consult with its members on the findings and recommendations, with a focus on supporting respectful and constructive decision making across councils.
Acting Commissioner for Equal Opportunity, Kara Wiseman, said South Australians deserve respectful and inclusive workplaces free from bullying and harassment.
“It’s especially important that South Australians have confidence that those institutions holding leadership positions in our community – be it the legal profession, State Parliament or, in this case, local government – are not only delivering vital services, but are doing so while supporting their workforce accordingly,” Wiseman said.
“I commend the Local Government Association for taking this first step to a more positive, inclusive workplace, and look forward to working with them as they implement measures aimed at delivering on this review’s findings.”
To find out more and to access the report, visit lga.sa.gov.au
