Harness diversity for innovative outcomes

Local Governments are a major employer across Australia and New Zealand, providing hundreds of vital services in the areas of health, social, community, environment, emergency management, transport, waste management, roads and infrastructure. The sector is responsible for implementing many diverse programs, policies and regulations set by state and national governments, as well as setting their own policy agendas.

Increasing demand and budgetary pressures are driving an emerging culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, as councils continue to find lateral and creative ways to make a positive social impact in the day-to-day lives of their constituents. Future leadership success in local governments hinges on recognising and rewarding capacity to harness team effort around the opportunities created by innovation; embracing diversity and building a cultural capacity for flexibility.