Since the Queensland elections, the dynamics of local government leadership have shifted significantly, presenting new challenges and opportunities for council executives. Over the past months, I’ve observed several consistent themes shaping CEO recruitment in this evolving environment.

Back to Basics: Refocusing Council Priorities

One of the most notable trends is a renewed focus on fundamentals. Councils are increasingly seeking CEOs who can streamline operations, prioritise core services, and manage assets effectively. With many councils facing financial constraints from ambitious capital projects, the emphasis is firmly on reducing discretionary spending and concentrating on essential functions.

This shift highlights a growing recognition among councillors that service breadth and initiatives must align with financial sustainability. As a result, we’re seeing fewer new investments, with councils instead exploring alternative funding models to meet their long-term goals.

Financial Sustainability as a Priority

Hand in hand with the back-to-basics approach is a sharpened focus on financial sustainability. Even larger councils with substantial rate bases are reassessing their financial health and viability. Strategic financial skills are now critical for CEO roles, as councils demand leaders who can balance fiscal stability with community expectations.

Evidencing Leadership and Capability

The recruitment process for CEO roles is becoming increasingly rigorous. Councils are seeking concrete evidence of leadership effectiveness, going beyond psychometric assessments and references to include data-driven insights such as:

• Customer satisfaction surveys

• Organisational culture metrics

• Performance benchmarks

These tools offer a clearer picture of a candidate’s ability to drive cultural improvement, enhance organisational performance, and deliver measurable community satisfaction.

Rebuilding Trust and Community Engagement

Public trust in institutions remains a significant challenge for councils. CEO candidates are now expected to demonstrate their ability to bring the community’s voice into council decision-making processes. While some states, like New South Wales, require integrated planning frameworks for community engagement, Queensland councils are adopting more intentional and professional approaches to public participation.

Improved engagement is essential to restoring trust and ensuring that council strategies align with genuine community needs.

Addressing Councillor Conduct and Governance Challenges

Councillor conduct and governance remain pressing issues in local government. Poor behaviour, conflicts of interest, and blurred roles between elected members and staff present risks to council operations and reputations.

Successful CEOs must not only address these challenges but also foster an environment of mutual respect in the council chamber. While achieving unity may not always be possible, respect and adherence to governance principles are non-negotiable for effective leadership.

Success Factors for CEO Recruitment

The evolving local government landscape underscores the importance of alignment between council vision, strategy, and operations. Key success factors for recruiting high-performing CEOs include:

• Clear governance frameworks and codes of conduct

• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills

• A commitment to transparency and confidentiality

• Well-defined boundaries between staff and elected members

By prioritising leadership, financial acumen, and community trust, councils can position themselves for a sustainable and successful future.

For more insights or to discuss your council’s leadership needs, reach out to Leading Roles at hello@leadingroles.com.au.