The research is presented in the report, Political Management in Australian Local Government: Exploring Roles and Relationships between Mayors and CEOs, written by John Martin (Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities, La Trobe University) and Chris Aulich (ANZSIG Institute for Governance at the University of Canberra).

The working relationship between the Mayor as the leader of the council and the chief executive officer (CEO) leading the council organisation is one of the most important relationships in local government. Mayors and CEOs recognise that the breakdown in this relationship can have long lasting, negative impacts on the capacity of a local government to deliver value for money services to its community. Despite this, there is little research which illuminates this relationship, and certainly little that is based on the Australian local government scene.

Some of the research and commentary included in the report include:

• models that define the complimentary nature of the relationship;
• whether the relationship is influenced by structural issues (such as the method of election of the Mayor at large or by the council itself);
• how much should the relationship between Mayors and CEOs be structured via rules and guidelines and how much should it rest on the integrity and common sense of the people involved?
• what defines a successful Mayor-CEO relationship; and,
• how the working relationship can be supported by other elected and appointed council staff so it successful and effective.

 
Drawing on research carried out by the authors and a consideration of the literature on the nature of this relationship, which occurs in one form or another at all levels of government, the paper draws conclusions and comments upon how elected councillors and appointed staff can best assist individuals in these roles to establish a successful and effective working relationship.

The research was undertaken through an examination of relevant literature, interviews and study of state and territory legislation relevant to the Mayor-CEO relationship. The latter is attached to the report as a useful resource for local government researchers and policy makers on the theme.

Given the lack of research on the Mayor-CEO relationship, this paper is seen as a starting point for a more concerted research effort, especially on how the relationship plays out in the different Australian jurisdictions. Comments and suggestions are invited from the local government community to enhance this project, and can be directed to either [email protected] or [email protected].

Download the report | Media release

For further information about this project, contact Stefanie Pillora, ACELG Program Manager, Research at [email protected] or 02 9514 4897.