Unlock Insights from the
Australian Local Government
CEO Index 2025

Davidson Australian Local Government CEO Index 2025 Cover
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.

Colin Jensen - CEO of Brisbane City Council

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:

Three people standing together, stylized in black and white.

Talent Retention and Attraction

Orange abstract graphic with a curved line and two vertical lines.

Technology

Shield with a checkmark, representing security or approval.

Cyber Security

A red and white graphic of a bulb and eye on a white background.

ESG and Climate Change

A pot of flowers on a white background

Financial Sustainability

A orange and white logo on a white background

Governance and Councillor Behaviour

Orange line art suggesting plumbing or circuit design.

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

Complete the form below to download your complimentary copy to stay informed and ahead in the evolving public sector.