Profile Magazine - LGPro - 2023 Summer Edition

Local Government Professionals biannual magazine

Summer 2023

Meet the new Board Introducing the incoming Board of LGPro

Investing in emerging leadership The true value of leadership development from a 2023 graduate

What’s keeping CEOs up at night?

Uncovering the top priorities of local government senior executives

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Meet the new LGPro Board

07

Introducing the incoming Board of LGPro, announced at November’s Annual General Meeting.

Investing in emerging leadership

11

LGPro finds out the true value of leadership development from a 2023 graduate.

Above: The winners of two of 2023’s specialist awards – find out more on page 20.

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Dedicated to Community: Young Achiever Awarded Introducing 2023's winner of the Sally Isaac Award who took the trophy at the Women's Network Dinner.

Reform in review: How we got here With misconduct reform on the horizon, LGPro reviews how we got here.

What’s keeping CEOs up at night?

23

LGPro uncovers the top priorities of local government senior executives.

To mentor or be mentored

28

With recruitment open for the 2024 Mentoring Program, LGPro explores the value of a mentoring relationship.

Profile is published by Local Government Professionals (Inc) LGPro, Level 3/58 Lorimer Street Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9268 6400 Email: info@lgpro.com Website: www.lgpro.com CONTRIBUTIONS Story ideas and photographs are always welcome.

Contact: info@lgpro.com ADVERTISING

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Managing psychosocial risk in Local Government Find out how to effectively manage psychosocial risk in the council workplace.

What’s on in 2024?

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For information or to book advertising in Profile, contact: info@lgpro.com CREDITS Publisher: LGPro (03) 9268 6400 Graphic Design: ADW Design www.adwdesign.com.au

See the full calendar of events and professional development opportunities for the half-year ahead.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 3

From the LGPro President & CEO

Looking back at 2023, preparing for 2024.

The Summer edition of Profile magazine, fitting in between the new year and the year behind us, is something of an annual reflection on how much we have achieved as a sector and how LGPro has continued to serve you as dedicated local government professionals.

In this edition, we excitedly introduce you to the newly elected Board of LGPro who will guide how we deliver for you in the years ahead. LGPro has achieved so much over the last few years including advocacy milestones we review in the pages ahead, but there is much more to come with your member representatives’ guidance.

We also take on the thornier issues affecting our sector’s professionals in this edition, from the opportunities and challenges facing local government executives to the practicalities behind managing psychosocial risk in our workplaces.

While this is a perfect time for reflection, we already do a lot of it throughout the year – the diverse LGPro Awards program is a key vehicle for this reflection on how much our sector achieves on an ongoing basis.

As the 2024 Awards program opens up, we invite you to revisit those who have taken the spotlight while you ready your own submissions for recognition.

Winding up 2023 and greeting the new year, professional development is top of mind while we plan for the year to come. You will also find the key dates for LGPro’s major events and training so that you can begin scheduling your learning and growth for the next six months.

With our specialist conferences just a few months away, we are looking forward to seeing you soon and hope that you meanwhile enjoy this Summer edition of your member magazine, Profile.

Liana Thompson President Local Government Professionals Victoria Jill Brown Chief Executive Officer

“Winding up 2023 and greeting the new year, professional development is top of mind while we plan for the year to come.”

4 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

SAVE THE DATE

WEDNESDAY 1 & THURSDAY 2 MAY 2024 The Premier Professional Development Event For Victorian Local Government Employees

2023 LGPro Corporate Partner

Key members of our Local Government Team We are a team of experienced workplace relations and safety lawyers continuing to achieve positive results for local government clients.

Dan Feldman Managing Partner

Georgie Chapman Partner

David Sztrajt Partner

Nikola Prestia Partner

Fleur Calvert Senior Associate

Anat Hirsh Senior Associate

Jenny Collins Associate

Nathaniel Ganeson Senior Associate

Rohan Ajzensztat Associate

Emily Durack Lawyer

Alex Bennett Lawyer

Jenny McPherson Lawyer

Our main services: Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Unfair Dismissal Enterprise Agreement Negotiations Investigations Employment Contracts Safety Managing Injured Workers Training

03 9948 2450

Visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn for employment law updates and insights:

www.hrlegal.com.au HR Legal - Australia

Talk to an expert HR Lawyer We listen, we provide solutions, you get results.

Meet the new LGPro Board With your member votes counted, the incoming Board of LGPro was announced at November’s Annual General Meeting.

Incoming Board Member Tanya Scicluna.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 7

The newly elected LGPro Board will serve until 2026, setting and supporting the strategic direction of your member association for the years ahead.

The Board of 10 members is as follows:

Jen Bednar

Bruce Dobson

Gail Gatt

Cathy Henderson

Sally Jones

Chris Leivers

Renae Littlejohn

Tanya Scicluna

Liana Thompson

Sue Wilkinson

Liana Thompson and Sue Wilkinson are returning as President and Vice President respectively for the year ahead, while Bruce Dobson and Chris Leivers also return to the roles of Treasurer and Secretary.

8 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

Incoming Board Member Renae Littlejohn.

Incoming Board Member Cathy Henderson.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 9

TAILORED STAFF ENGAGEMENT SURVEYS. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

The McArthur LG Life Pulse Survey allows Managers and staff to access tailored surveys quickly, easily and in real time, and delivers a range of business-critical benefits: • Improve retention and engagement • Foster a listening culture • Connect instantly with staff • Develop shared leadership • Be responsive • Be an employer of choice • Save time and resources To find out more, contact Michael Arcella t: (03) 9868 6565 e: michael.arcella@mcarthur.com.au w: mcarthur.life 10 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

Investing in emerging leadership

With the search underway for 2024’s emerging leaders, LGPro asks a 2023 leadership program graduate how valuable they found their development experience.

We speak with Mastering Management alumnus Jo Postlethwaite

and customer service. When flooding struck the region in

to find out where her career is heading and how the program

October 2022, she took on emergency communications

has helped her in that journey. Jo began her tenure at Buloke

before behind fully seconded to the role of Manger

Shire Council in December 2021 as Manager Customer

Community Recovery in July 2023.

Engagement, overseeing communications, engagement,

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 11

Where are you in your career now and where are you heading?

I'm not a millennial, yet my career journey mirrors what's often associated with that generation – a path marked by numerous shifts and changes.

Agriculture, media and marketing, human and animal health, manufacturing, industry group advisory roles, and loads of volunteering including football coaching. It's interesting, isn't it, how many of us, irrespective of age, find ourselves transitioning between careers, sometimes multiple times?

We were challenged in a safe and respectful space, often sharing challenges that we may even have struggled to tell our best mate and given reflection without judgement. Sometimes it felt like the shock of a cold bucket of water poured over our heads – asking for unfiltered truths from someone can be jarring, but it forces you out of your comfort zone.

As we moved through the program, we found ourselves becoming something more akin to a team of paramedics for each other. In the face of adversity and challenge, we responded with the immediacy and support for one another that was unconditional, mirroring the skills, empathy, and a readiness

I’m new to local government. Most of all, I have enjoyed

to assist, regardless of the situation. We emerged from every

leveraging the benefits of being a rookie employee: continuous

session feeling like we were no longer just surviving but thriving

adaptation and reinvention. My current focus? Channelling

and setting a new standard for what's possible.

these experiences towards becoming more of an influencer and better ally. I firmly believe the key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.

What was the highlight of your experience in Mastering Management?

How do you expect the program will help you in your career journey?

It reinforced to me the importance of investing in the deliberate process of introspection, unlearning, and relearning. We must have spaces for new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking

Breaking free of limiting beliefs – a reset to free our mindset.

that propel us towards a more fulfilled life. Reframing our

We were reminded that there is something uniquely powerful

challenges helps us to overcome resistance to change.

about finding oneself in uncomfortable situations. It is in

One key takeaway was the importance of developing allies

these moments that we are pushed beyond our usual

before you actually need them. This proactive approach

boundaries. It's in these moments that we have the opportunity

to relationship-building in the workplace will be crucial for

to make breakthrough transformational change by embracing

navigating challenges, creating opportunities for collaboration,

this discomfort.

and ensuring support in critical times.

What was it like learning alongside peers from different councils?

The program highlighted the importance of vulnerability in

The collective wisdom of the group, each person bringing their own intuitive and learned experiences, created a powerful learning environment.

leadership. By being open about my own challenges and uncertainties, I can create an environment where team members feel comfortable being equally transparent. Sharing truths and showing vulnerability often creates a deep sense of connection and trust. I’m most grateful for the strong, enduring friendships I’ve unexpectedly made as part of this program.

“I firmly believe the key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.”

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“I’m most grateful for the strong, enduring friendships I’ve unexpectedly made as part of this program.”

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 13

Local Government's leaders in the making are invited to upskill in 2024's returning programs for fledgling and existing managers.

Mastering Management is a leadership program for existing managers and the next step for Ignite graduates but the step before more senior leadership programs like LGPro's Emerging Leaders Program. Registrations close in mid-January.

LEARN MORE HERE

Ignite develops the new leaders who go on to become more successful managers, team leaders, and supervisors. Registrations close in mid-February.

LEARN MORE HERE

Ignite for Outdoor Workers is a bespoke leadership program for outdoor workers that develops new leaders in the space. Registrations close in late February.

LEARN MORE HERE

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“We emerged from every session feeling like we were no longer just surviving but thriving and setting a new standard for what's possible.”

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 15

2023's winner of the Sally Isaac Award – Indigo Shire Council’s Chloe Powell – took the trophy at the Women's Network Dinner in November.

Chloe Powell receiving the 2023 Sally Isaac Award.

The Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award fosters the professional development of emerging female leaders who commit themselves to the improvement of their communities and those they serve through a $10,000 educational scholarship.

Chloe Powell was awarded for her enthusiastic dedication to community enhancement.

16 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

Excelling at building rapid rapport with community groups and individuals, Chloe is considered a crucial asset in her work, including delivering her council’s Community Comeback Project and supporting small businesses to adapt to evolving consumer expectations as Tourism Development Officer. Her cheerful demeanour and warmth uplift colleagues and the broader community, contributing to the success of her projects.

Chloe Powell with John and Shane Isaac at the 2023 Women's Network Dinner.

Over 18 months at Indigo Shire Council, Chloe consistently demonstrated her capacity to drive positive outcomes. She employed sound planning, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to community engagement. Chloe's ability to acquire new skills and build her capabilities empowered her to deliver critical projects in collaboration with the community.

Chloe's enthusiasm goes beyond youthful exuberance.

She has eagerly tackled challenges, embraced change, and exhibited problem-solving dynamism.

Her determination, coupled with a knack for fostering collaboration, has enabled her to achieve results and overcome obstacles.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 17

Reform in review: How we got here 2020 LGPro meets with the Minister for Local Government to discuss issues of culture in Councils.

OCT 2022 LGPro articulates its formal position on culture as part of its Advocacy Agenda.

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MAY 2021 Minister commissions a review and discussion paper on behaviour and culture in Councils.

FEB 2023 LGPro submits its case for legislation reform to address Councillor misconduct to Minister.

AUG 2021 Minister commissions the Local Government Culture Project.

MAR 2023 LGPro explains its case for legislative reform to address Councillor misconduct in media campaign.

FE 202

LGPro invest organ cultur

AP 202

Minist LGPro Local Victor coord Gover and A Action gover accou

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne recently announced reforms to tackle the systemic issues behind rare but damaging instances of councillor misconduct. With change on the horizon, LGPro reviews how we got here.

Set to be introduced before the 2024 local government elections, the legislative change and investment announced would include mandatory training for elected representatives, a uniform councillor code of conduct, and enhanced powers for the Chief Municipal Inspector and the Minister.

EB 22

o releases tigation into nisational re in Councils.

PR 23

ter writes to o notifying that Government ria instructed to dinate the Local rnment Governance Accountability n Plan to address rnance and untability issues.

The Inspector is to be given the ability to issue infringement notices, while the Minister would be able to suspend or disqualify individual councillors found to have created a risk to health and safety or prevented a Council from performing its function.

LGPro has spearheaded the long process of engagement on this issue, years in the making. We revisit how we got to this point.

MAY 2022 Minister writes to LGPro announcing the Local Government Culture Project Insights Report, identifying required actions to improve culture and councillor behaviour including governance reforms.

MAY 2023 Local Government Inspectorate writes to LGPro announcing Councillor Conduct Framework Examination requesting feedback on efficacy of the framework.

AUG 2022 LGPro releases Council culture explanatory video series.

JUL 2023 IBAC tables Operation Sandon special report with governance reform recommendations.

LGPro submits culture review recommendations to Minister.

NOV 2023 Minister announces reforms to be introduced before the October 2024 local government elections.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 19

AWARDING CUSTOMER-CENTRIC INNOVATORS AND PLANNERS Nominations for two specialist award programs revolving around residents are now open.

Community planning and customer impact are a natural fit. Contemporary integrated planning and customer-centricity are both focused on positive outcomes for residents. That is why the 2024 Customer Impact Award and rebranded Community and Integrated Planning Award are both accepting nominations right now.

The Customer Impact Award recognises the individuals and teams behind the year’s most innovative initiatives that have helped deliver more engaging, meaningful, and relevant customer experiences.

What was once “Corporate and Community Planning” – now known as the Community and Integrated Planning Award to reflect the sectorwide focus on integrated planning – celebrates the success of the sector’s planners in these spaces.

The 2023 Customer Impact Award – sponsored

by CSBA – saw Bass Coast Shire Council awarded for taking a whole-of-organisation approach to customer-centricity that empowered staff with tools and ongoing training. The Planning Award saw South Gippsland Shire Council take the trophy for undertaking its largest ever community engagement campaign to deliver an integrated plan in a record seven months.

LGPro is now seeking new voices for the 2024 Awards.

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2024

COMMUNITY & INTEGRATED PLANNING

AWARD

Nominations for the Community and Integrated Planning Award are open until 19 February.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE

Nominations close: Monday 19 February 2024

2024

CUSTOMER IMPACT

AWARD

Nominations for the Customer Impact Award are open until 27 February.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE

More detail on both awards and the nomination process can be found on their respective pages on the LGPro website.

Nominations close: Monday 26 February 2024 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 21

What’s keeping CEOs up at night?

22 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

LGPro uncovers the top priorities of local government senior executives with Davidson’s Managing Partner of Search and Advisory, Clare McCartin.

National survey data has revealed the priorities of council executives – a mix of nervousness over impending challenges and excitement around emerging opportunities. Now in its third year, research behind the Australian Local Government CEO Index points out that leadership and culture is the top priority for councils.

The highest ranking priorities following organisational culture are community resilience and wellbeing, leadership capability, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 23

But Clare predicts the trends in usual suspect financial sustainability and newcomer AI to particularly ramp up in the years ahead.

“AI certainly wasn’t featuring in year one of this Index and is now quite prominent as almost a separate category amongst the technology and transformation categories, such as it is a major opportunity for efficiency and productivity gains.”

Particularly in metro councils, one of the highest priorities is making flexible working work. Clare points out the most common flexible option councils have been offering, being the three-day in-person, two-day remote paradigm.

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But managers still struggle to work around the inequity between staff whose roles can and cannot flex. Mitchell Shire Council has recently come at this problem creatively, offering some of its outdoor teams a 38-hour work week squeezed into four days.

As staff adapt to newer ways of working, leaders are having to adapt by changing the way they measure staff output to really make flexibility work.

“Leaders have had to quickly adapt to output-based leadership.”

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 25

“The use of AI was generally viewed as favourable but there are concerns about how the technology will be rolled out.”

“Leaders have had to quickly adapt to output-based leadership and looking at how they measure the impact of the work of team members when they can’t walk past the desk of these individuals to get a real sense of what they are doing and when are they doing it.”

While still a priority for rural and regional councils, flexibility sits under a more pressing concern for more remote organisations – attracting and retaining skilled staff amid the ongoing war for talent.

“It’s not just about selling the role; it’s about selling the region. A lot of councils have got strong economic development teams where they’ve got a wealth of information that we can share [with candidates] on the reality around schooling and healthcare, et cetera.

It’s really about selling lifestyle beyond the role itself.”

26 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

These appeals to lifestyle might sound familiar, but Clare has more specific advice on appealing to career-oriented professionals.

“A lot of people can go out to the regions and have greater breadth of experience really quickly and that then allows them to move up a lot more quickly.”

Now for the headline-grabber: AI. Two-thirds of CEOs say the emerging tech is already impacting them. Nearly half say they’ll have to adjust how they work within a year.

“The survey showed us that the use of AI was generally viewed as favourable but there are concerns about how the technology will be rolled out and definitely a need for significant training in that space.”

The full picture can be found in the report available through Davidson, including expert commentary from Victorian executives like Helen Sui, Rebecca McKenzie, and Glenn Patterson on future ways of working, staff retention, and organisational resilience.

“It’s really about selling lifestyle beyond the role itself.”

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 27

To mentor or be mentored Should you be a mentor? Should you be a mentee?

As LGPro recruits both for the 2024 Mentoring Program, we explore the value of a mentoring relationship.

28 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

Mentoring is valuable even at the most senior career levels. In fact, it’s the logical next step for professionals looking to give back to their junior counterparts while learning a new skill along the way.

LGPro’s Mentoring Program allows professionals at all levels to learn from each other. Through the program, a mentor – typically an experienced local government professional – is assigned to guide and advise a mentee – or a ‘learner’ – over an eight-month period.

The formal program involves an orientation, training, and then ongoing guidance for mentors, improving their ability to guide others.

Kerry Stubbings is a thirty-year veteran of the local government, state government, and not-for-profit sectors who also happens to be a leadership coach and mentor herself. We spoke to her earlier in the year to find out how mentoring fits into career development.

2023 Mentoring Program mentor Travis Fitzgibbon.

“It’s a very accessible, intimate relationship that can be really valuable for both parties.”

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 29

2023 Mentoring Program mentor Patrick Dillon.

2023 Mentoring Program mentor Pene Winslade.

2023 Mentoring Program mentor Tony De Fazio.

“There’s the old 70-20-10 rule, where 70 per cent of your development is from doing things on the job.

10 per cent of it is formal education, training, accreditation, and around 20 per cent is the development you get from relationships with others, mentoring, coaching.

“Mentoring is one of those magic opportunities for contributing to the growth of people in their roles and in their careers and it’s a very accessible, intimate relationship that can be really valuable for both parties.”

30 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

Mentees can be anyone looking to develop their career and build their skills with the guidance of someone with experience who has built up their own skills, perspectives, and networks. Whether they are someone who needs clarity on where their career is heading or needs support in achieving a goal they can already articulate, the mentoring relationship helps explore what is possible or how to improve.

“Mentoring is one of those magic opportunities for contributing to the growth of people.”

2022 Mentoring Program mentor Tammy Smith.

“You get time for reflection, you get time to chew the fat with someone else about an issue on a one-to-one basis in a way you don’t often get to do in your busy work life.”

“It’s an opportunity to be exposed, on a one-to-one basis, to someone that you don’t manage, that you don’t have responsibility for as a figure of authority.

Mentors meanwhile contribute to someone else’s development while learning from them in the process.

With mentees coming from different backgrounds, in diverse roles, and from various generations, they offer mentors new perspectives.

“From a CEO perspective, there’s an avenue to share their wisdom and insight, but also to listen to what’s going on for people coming through the sector who are on their leadership journey.”

The Mentoring Program is now open for registration for both mentors and mentees in the 2024 program. Registrations close on 6 February.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 31

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

LGPro CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24 CORPORATE PARTNERS (listed in the directory in alphabetical order)

Billing Bureau

Camden Search CouncilJobs Customer Service Benchmarking Australia (CSBA) CT Management Group

LGPro is grateful for the support it receives from its Corporate Partners. The following pages contain advertisements submitted by LGPro’s 2023/24 Corporate Partners. Please take a moment to learn about the many services, programs, and products these organisations offer to the Local Government sector.

Davidson Group Duxton Hill EasyPark HR Legal Hunt & Hunt JLT Julie Reid & Associates Kernow Environmental Health & Immunisation Lánluas Leading Roles Leadsun Australia Maddocks Lawyers McArthur Moray & Agnew Lawyers Peter Berry Consulting PKF Planned Resources PowerStack Energy Procurement Australia Productivity Matters Pulse Software Push My Button Redman Solutions Skefto Steople Telstra The Leadership Movement Urban Maintenance Systems Victorian Pride Lobby

LGPRO PRINCIPAL PARTNER

VIS Global Vision Super Votar Partners Your Future Options Note: All financial 2023/24 LGPro Corporate Partners were invited to participate in this directory. Not all Corporate Partners took up the opportunity.

32 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

Infringement Management System

It’s Never Been Easier To Manage Infringements In-House.

Flexible infringement management that works for your council.

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LOOKING FOR YOU CouncilJobs is the council talent pool for your recruitment. We have motivated subscribers with the key skills you need available right now.

counciljobs.com TARGETED RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24 33

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.ctman.com.au 1300 500 932 admin@ctman.com.au

WE KNOW LOCAL GOVERNMENT For over 25 years, CT Management Group has been one of Australia’s most trusted providers of local government professional services.

SPECIALISTS IN Asset Management Service Planning Financial Management Contract and Project Management Governance Professional Placements @CTManagementGroup

@CTManagementGrp

EasyPark are now offering business solutions for parking expense management.

We can save you time and money across your organisation, big or small.

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Australia’s only specialised team of lawyers and investigators dedicated to assisting organisations adversely affected by Fraud, Corruption & Professional Misconduct.

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We are trusted for our proven expertise.

duxtonhill.com.au

Clear. Decisive. Outcomes.

34 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

Available on Google Play or App store

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

2023 LGPro Corporate Partner

Key members of our Local Government Team We are a team of experienced workplace relations and safety lawyers continuing to achieve positive results for local government clients.

Dan Feldman Managing Partner

Georgie Chapman Partner

David Sztrajt Partner

Nikola Prestia Partner

Fleur Calvert Senior Associate

Anat Hirsh Senior Associate

Jenny Collins Associate

Nathaniel Ganeson Senior Associate

Rohan Ajzensztat Associate

Emily Durack Lawyer

Alex Bennett Lawyer

Jenny McPherson Lawyer

Our main services: Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Unfair Dismissal Enterprise Agreement Negotiations Investigations Employment Contracts Safety Managing Injured Workers Training

03 9948 2450

Visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn for employment law updates and insights:

www.hrlegal.com.au HR Legal - Australia

Talk to an expert HR Lawyer We listen, we provide solutions, you get results.

Julie A. Reid

& associates

23-0467_JPS_Year Book Advertising_90x125mm_Bronson Justus OUTLINE.indd 1

13/07/2023 1:43:07 PM

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24 35

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

SMART

SOLAR LIGHTING

PERFORMANCE, CULTURE AND RECRUITMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES Leading Roles has worked with local governments for over 10 years, transforming councils through high performing people.

Our highly experienced team can assist your council with:

Permanent Recruitment Solutions Contract & Temporary Placements Performance & Culture Consultancy

Contact Edwina to discuss your requirements on 0448 402 510 or visit leadingroles.com.au.

36 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

100+

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

Proud to serve our local communities for over a century as trusted advisors to Victorian councils.

Kate Oliver Partner | Maddocks Victorian Local Government Sector Leader

Find out how our market-leading multi-disciplinary team can support you.

We are one of Australia’s largest law firms with over 700 staff. Our specialist Local Government practice represents the foundation of our commitment to the public sector.

We have well-established credentials and a reputation for providing high-quality legal advice and representation to Local Government. We work for approximately 200 Local Government bodies and authorities in both panel and off-panel appointments and offer Councils convenient, on demand access to excellent legal advice, guidance and representation across the entire spectrum of legal services, including day-to-day operations and long term strategies.

Whitepaper Australian Local s Government Leader of Research, e Cruickshank, Head

Authored by: Dr Lynn

PBC

Contact Moray & Agnew to discuss how we can assist you. melbourne@moray.com.au +61 3 9600 0877

Sydney // Melbourne // Brisbane // Canberra Newcastle // Perth // Cairns

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24 37

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

PKF Integrity Investigation & risk solutions With over a century of combined expertise in forensic investigation and integrity risk management, the PKF Integrity team draws from diverse backgrounds, including law enforcement, regulatory environments, industry, and professional services.

Our experienced team provides hands-on delivery, and adopts a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to achieving excellent outcomes.

For expert investigation and integrity risk advice, get in touch.

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pkf.com.au +61 3 9679 2222 PKF Integrity Services (BMNS) Pty Ltd ABN 44 610 622 001 is a member of PKF Global, the network of member firms of PKF International Limited, each of which is a separately owned legal entity and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions of any individual member or correspondent firm(s).

Power Purchase Agreements

Procurement Australia's PPA's Procurement Australia’s NSW & VIC PPAs are helping more local councils realise their large-scale, renewable energy goals in a cost-effective and riskreduced way.

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38 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

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LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24 39

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

Planning

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Serving the Local Government sector for over 20 years

40 LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

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CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

THE VICTORIAN PRIDE LOBBY IS WORKING TO TURN LOCAL G O V E R N M E N T S R A I N B O W. IF YOU NEED SUPPORT TO PROMOTE LGBTIQA+ INCLUSION OR PROGRESS COMMITMENTS ON THE RAINBOW PLEDGE, C O N TA C T U S T O D AY !

I N F O @ V I C P R I D E L O B B Y. O R G

We keep a sharp eye out for ways to keep fees low

Issued by Vision Super Pty Ltd ABN 50 082 924 561 AFSL 225054. Read the relevant PDS and TMDs available from visionsuper.com.au and see if the product is right for you before investing. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investment performance and fees depend on the investment option.

LGPRO CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24 41

CORPORATE PARTNER DIRECTORY 2023/24

42 LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023

Managing psychosocial risk in Local Government Following an in-depth webinar on bullying, sexual harassment, and misconduct risk back in August, the team at PKF Integrity return to explain how to effectively manage psychosocial risk in the council workplace.

By Jason Landers, Partner, and David Lehmann, Principal – PKF Integrity

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Psychosocial harm due to misconduct has received significant media attention in recent years. Significant occurrences in some of Australia’s largest corporations have prompted government enquiries and brought about legislative change.

The law now mandates that employers – councils included – have a positive duty to employees to provide workplaces that are not only free from physical harm but also psychosocial harm.

What is psychosocial safety?

In the words of the Harvard professor who first identified the concept of psychosocial safety, Amy Edmonson, it is “a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes, and that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking” in the team context.

Psychosocial safety makes people feel their contributions matter, makes them more comfortable voicing opinions and concerns, and equally more comfortable sharing mistakes and learning from them. It leads to employees in teams feeling more engaged and motivated, better decision making, and the development of a culture of continuous improvement.

Organisations can no longer merely react after incidences of psychosocial harm.

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What are psychosocial hazards?

How to manage psychosocial risks

Psychosocial hazards include cultures of bullying and

PKF Integrity advocates a prevention versus a cure

harassment, poor support, lack of role clarity, inadequate

approach and this approach to psychosocial risk is supported

reward and recognition, and poor workplace relationships

by governments and regulators. Organisations can no

or interactions.

longer merely react after incidences of psychosocial harm.

Two behaviours that PKF Integrity are often engaged to investigate are bullying and harassment, including sexual

The objective should be to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

harassment. Serious bullying today is a crime punishable

Legislation such as the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)

by up to 10 years imprisonment.

imposes “…a legal duty on organisations and businesses to take ‘reasonable and proportionate measures’ to eliminate relevant unlawful conduct as far as possible.” The Victorian Government is also considering options for the development of similar regulations.

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This approach to managing psychosocial risk is provided in guidance such as the Code of Practice in the WH&S Act and guides published by Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe Victoria. In many respects, the approach is not dissimilar to the management of any other business risk. The guidance advocates the following:

STAGE

1

Identify hazards

STAGE

3

Control risks by implementing effective controls that are reasonably practicable, monitoring their effectiveness over time.

STAGE

2

Assess risks articulating how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it occurring.

STAGE

4

Review controls ensuring they are working as planned and make changes as required.

Psychosocial safety makes people feel their contributions matter.

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For this process to be truly successful, it requires a high level

Research shows that implementing measures to create

of ongoing consultation at each stage, strong leadership,

and maintain workplaces that are safe from psychosocial

and an overt management commitment.

harm have innumerable benefits for an organisation and its

But aside from legal compliance, what should the real motivation be for providing safe workplaces?

employees. Benefits include maintaining a more engaged and motivated workforce, fostering better decision making where employees feel more comfortable sharing their opinions and concerns, and developing a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

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BRING THE TRAINER TO YOU No matter where your council or staff work – out in the field, in the office, or at the home-office – LGPro’s sector-leading professional development can be tailored to your teams.

LGPro has an intimate understanding of the Local Government operating environment, years of experience, a long history of quality training delivery and partnering with established, expert trainers, and offers off-the-shelf or tailored training to custom-fit your council.

Find out how to bring LGPro training in-house – contact us at pd@lgpro.com

2024 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES MORE INFO

CONFERENCES Annual Conference

1-2 May

The premier professional development and networking event of the Victorian Local Government calendar.

Social Media Conference

20 March

A full-day specialist conference for officers working across digital communications disciplines.

Positive Ageing & Wellbeing Seminar

21 March

A full-day seminar for officers working across community wellbeing spaces, from aged care and disability support to community development and social planning.

MORE INFO

AWARDS 2024 Positive Ageing & Wellbeing Awards

Nominations closed

Reflecting the sector’s focus on building an age-friendly society, these awards recognise those that have made significant contributions to positive ageing and wellbeing.

2024 Community & Integrated Planning Award

Nominations close 16 February

Celebrating the success of individuals and teams working in the Local Government Corporate and Community Planning sector in Victoria.

2024 Customer Impact Award

Nominations close 1 March

Recognising innovative initiatives which have assisted in delivering more engaging, meaningful, and relevant customer experiences.

2024 Awards for Excellence

Nominations closed

Celebrating the success of individuals and teams working in Local Government in Victoria. The winners will be announced at the 2024 Annual Conference.

LGPRO PROFILE SUMMER 2023 49

WEBINAR SERIES

LEADERSHIP SUITE

Targeted to outdoor workers without formal experience in managing and leading people to develop skills required to be successful in their role.

Registrations for Series 1 now open. Program commences 19 March 2024.

Unique leadership-focused activities and experiences designed to develop and inspire emerging leaders.

Nominations closed.

Program commences 8 February 2024.

Designed exclusively to expand and develop the skills of senior executives to become confident and capable leaders.

Nominations closed.

Program commences 15 February 2024.

Designed to equip managers with the skills and knowledge they require to further develop their career.

Registrations now open.

Program commences 7 February 2024.

A cross-council program bringing together officers from all levels and locations to learn from each other by sharing knowledge, expertise, and skills.

Expressions of interest for 2024 now open.

Program commences 18 March 2024.

Thought-provoking ideas and sector insights from highly regarded presenters in regular lunchtime learning opportunities.

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Webinars are held weekly from January onwards (excl. school holidays and conference weeks)

JUN 2024

Registrations for Series 1 now open. Program commences 14 March 2024.

MAY 2024

Ignite enables those without formal experience in managing and leading people to develop the competencies required to be successful in their role.

APR 2024

DATES

MAR 2024

INFORMATION

FEB 2024

PROGRAM

JAN 2024

2024 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

MORE INFO

SPECIALISED PROGRAMS

An overview to Local Government and the important role it plays for newcomers to the sector.

JUN 2024

MAY 2024

APR 2024

MAR 2024

DATES

FEB 2024

INFORMATION

JAN 2024

PROGRAM

MORE INFO

Online: 27 February, 19 April, 7 May, 12 June In-person: 7 February, 27 March, 7 May, 12 June

Providing anyone creating Council reports with the nuance behind writing a good report.

Online: 21 May In-person: 6 March

Supporting non-finance staff in performing their financial planning and reporting responsibilities.

Online: 5 March

An introduction to project management covering the basic principles of managing projects to ensure successful project delivery.

6+13 February, 20+26 March, 15+23 May, 11+20 June

Building on the fundamental skills and underlying theory of project management, this is the next stage of learning for those who have begun managing projects.

TBC

Helping frontline local government workers manage their most challenging customer conversations.

Online: 28 February, 4 June

A two-part workshop exploring the roles of the Council and executive in the context of the Integrated Strategic Planning and Reporting Framework and the Local Government Act 2020.

TBC

A best practice workshop on governance and decision making in the local government context for managers, new governance officers, and those aspiring to governance positions.

In-person: 21 February, 14 May

An annual simulation-based team building, learning, and networking program using real local government themes.

Registrations now open.

Program commences 27 February 2024.

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