Unlock Insights from the
Australian Local Government
CEO Index
2025
Explore Key Insights from the Australian Local Government CEO Index 2025
Gain insights from
134 local government CEOs across Australia with our latest CEO Index. Explore critical trends, challenges, and opportunities, including leadership talent gaps, AI adoption, cybersecurity, and more.
Please contact us with any clarifications or questions.
Clare McCartin
Managing Partner - Search and Advisory
"At Davidson, we are privileged to support and work alongside the people who carry this leadership responsibility, which they do quietly, capably, and with a deep commitment to the communities they serve. This survey is designed to spark dialogue and empower Local Government leaders with insights to shape the future of their communities with confidence."
Luke Heine
National Senior Partner - Business Advisory
"The 2025 CEO Index paints a clear picture of Local Government leaders being tasked with the job to do more with less, and to do it faster. The convergence of digital transformation, cyber security and workforce capability, with financial strains, are the big challenges of today."
The Index, developed by Davidson from comprehensive insights gathered from over 134 council CEOs, explores key trends, priorities, challenges and aspirations across seven critical themes:
Talent Retention and Attraction
Technology
Cyber Security
ESG and Climate Change
Financial Sustainability
Governance and Councillor Behaviour
Organisation and Culture
Top five highest ranking priorities for local government organisations in 2025
1
People, Leadership and Organisational Culture
2
Cyber Security
3
Leadership Capability
4
Service Redesign & Improvements
5
Community Resilience & Wellbeing
