Recently, I had the privilege of attending the annual conference of the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The experience was enriching and eye-opening, offering a fresh perspective on leadership and local governance. The theme of the conference, “Leading from the Front, Leading from the Back,” deeply resonated with me, reinforcing the notion that effective leadership is a balance between taking charge and knowing when to step back and empower others. 

I am incredibly thankful for ICMA’s Global Engagement Committee and the John Garvey Scholarship for giving me the opportunity to connect with over 250 professionals from across Queensland and explore how local government functions in Australia compared to the United States. While many aspects of governance are similar between the two countries, there were also notable differences that provided valuable insight.

Key Takeaways: Lessons in Leadership and Community Building

One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of adaptability in leadership. The conference highlighted that great leaders know when to step forward and when to step back, allowing others to take the reins. In local government, this often means empowering employees to take on new responsibilities or develop skills beyond their usual scope of work. This not only supports succession planning but also fosters a culture of growth and learning. I realized that giving staff the opportunity to lead in areas where they may not have had much experience can prepare them for future leadership roles and create a more resilient team.

The conference also underscored the importance of inclusivity in decision-making. Both the United States and Australia strive to ensure that all voices are heard, not just the loudest ones. This principle is something I am eager to implement in my own community by creating more opportunities for diverse input in the decision-making process. It was inspiring to see how local governments in Australia engage their communities, particularly in times of crisis, such as during natural disasters. Their approach to service delivery, which is tailored to the unique needs of each community, was a powerful reminder that no two communities are the same. Listening to and learning from these differences can only strengthen our approach to governance.

Another major takeaway was the value of building strong connections. The sense of camaraderie among local government professionals at the conference was palpable. While the majority of attendees were from Queensland, it was great connecting with other attendees from New South Wales and New Zealand. Whether it was through discussions of shared challenges, such as managing natural disasters, or more day-to-day concerns like service delivery, the sense of collaboration and offers of support were inspiring. I left the conference with a renewed sense of the importance of creating spaces where successes and failures can be openly discussed without fear of judgment. This transparency fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement, something I plan to prioritize within my organization. 

Insights into Australian Local Government

One of the most fascinating differences between Australian and U.S. local government is the structure. I was struck by the simplicity of Australia’s three-tier government system—local, state, and federal. This structure appeared to create more clarity in terms of responsibility distribution, a contrast to the complexities we often face in the United States, where multiple agencies (city, county, special district, etc.) may be responsible for similar tasks at the local level, leading to inefficiencies.

In Australia, local councils handle a broader range of services than what might typically be seen in U.S. city or county governments. For example, while public safety services like police and fire are managed at the state level in Australia, they are often handled locally in the United States. Australia faces the same challenges of local government picking up the pieces of services not handled by federal or state government or private or non-government entities. 

Moving Forward: Implementing the Lessons

The conference left me with a fresh perspective and several ideas for improving governance in my own community and department. I plan to foster a more collaborative leadership approach within my department, encouraging team members to step into leadership roles when appropriate and creating an environment where open discussion of both successes and failures is the norm.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

Attending the LGMA conference was a transformative experience. Not only did it broaden my understanding of how local governments function globally, but it also reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration, community, and the importance of professional local government employees. The relationships I built with professionals from across Australia will serve as a valuable resource as I continue to grow in my role, and I look forward to finding new ways to implement the lessons I learned in my own community.

Effective leadership is about knowing when to step forward and when to step back. By empowering others, fostering inclusivity, and building strong connections, we can create more resilient communities and ensure that local government continues to thrive.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend the LGMA conference, made possible by the John Garvey Scholarship, and I look forward to applying the valuable insight I gained to better serve my community.

Global Knowledge Exchange Opportunities

Want to participate in a global knowledge exchange opportunity like this one? The ICMA Global Engagement Committee administers semi-annual global knowledge exchange awards to qualifying ICMA members. The Tranter-Leong Fellowship is a $5,000 award, and the John Garvey Scholarship provides $3,500 in support. Learn more about these opportunities and apply today at Tranter-Leong Fellowship and John Garvey Scholarship.