Under section 338 of the Local Government Act 1993, general managers of councils and executive officers of joint organisations must be employed under an employment contract based on a standard contract approved by the departmental chief executive of the Office of Local Government.

This requirement ensures consistency and certainty in employment relationships at the management level in local government and reflect community expectations by providing greater transparency and accountability. 

It also ensures appropriate flexibility by allowing certain contractual matters to be left to the parties to negotiate, namely:

  • duration of the contract (within legislative limits)
  • structure and level of the remuneration package
  • performance-based requirements.

Guidelines for appointment and oversight

General managers

Guidelines have been issued under section 23A of the Local Government Act 1993 to assist councillors when performing their functions to the appointment of general managers and overseeing their performance.

The Guidelines for the appointment and oversight of general managers (PDF, 1.5 MB) cover:

  • the role of the general manager and the importance of a good working relationship between councillors and the general manager
  • the recruitment process and the appointment of a general manager
  • day to day oversight of and liaison with the general manager
  • the performance review process
  • separation
  • renewal of the general manager’s contract.

Senior council executives

Guidelines have been issued under section 23A of the Local Government Act 1993 on the recruitment of senior executive roles in councils.

The Guidelines on the recruitment of senior council executives in councils (PDF, 249 KB) cover the following:

  • merit selection in recruitment processes
  • the development of staff capabilities and the use of internal recruitment processes
  • the need for councils to have recruitment policies
  • the use of recruitment/human resources specialists when recruiting for senior executive roles
  • the use of subject matter experts when recruiting for senior executive roles
  • the role of internal audit in auditing recruitment processes
  • the role of councillors in the recruitment of staff
  • reporting wrongdoing in recruitment processes.

Resources

Standard contracts
Appointment guides