In the 2024 Australian Local Government CEO Index, leadership, people, and culture remain top priorities for council CEOs across the nation.

As local governments continue to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, these elements have become increasingly vital in shaping the future of public sector leadership. 

Leadership Talent Gaps

A strong organisational culture is the bedrock of effective leadership and employee satisfaction in local government. However, the Index reveals significant challenges in this area. Despite their efforts to foster leadership and strengthen organisational culture, many CEOs express concerns about the behaviour of elected officials and feel a lack of support. Around half of the survey respondents said they wanted the opportunity to participate in a CEO support network, almost double the responses for the next most popular opportunity - seeing what other local government areas are doing nationally and overseas.

The pandemic's impact on employee wellbeing presents a mixed picture. While 32% of CEOs observed positive effects, 49% believed the impact was negative. A significant challenge has been balancing flexible work arrangements with the operational needs of councils. With 62% of staff working three or four days in the office, managing expectations and maintaining a cohesive organisational culture has become a major point of friction.

As the sector faces these challenges, the importance of cultivating a culture where aspiration thrives cannot be overstated.