What do you say when you can’t say anything? Steve McGrath, the Interim General Manager of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council was obviously constrained. He was not in a position to criticise the State Government. What he could do was outline the main points of the demerger process. Then, he was able to outline the impact produced by the delay of the decision. This delay is seriously threatening the ability of Council staff to perform their roles.
Steve came to Cootamundra in 2023 with the brief to facilitate the de-merger process. The decision to demerge had been made. Steve was told the process would result in separate Councils in July 2024 and the election of a two new Councils in September of this year.
The then Government acknowledged there were further amendments to the Act before finalising the demerger. Such amendments were straight forward and Steve’s expectation was the de-merger would proceed as planned. Then, there was the March election and a new Government and a new Minister.
In his brief explanation of the history of the de-merger and non-demerger, Steve voiced no criticism of the present decision makers. What he did make clear was his own frustration with the delays and the impact the delay is having on Council staff.
This is not a question of blame or criticism. What Steve conveyed, increasingly clearly, was not only his own unease as he prepares to leave his position, but to reflect on the threats to the mechanism of local government and the significant difficulties experienced by the staff.
‘A lack of stable leadership’ was a phrase Steve used a couple of times.
‘Stable leadership’ means both people in positions of leadership for a significant period of time and consistent, informed and trustworthy decision-making.
When such ‘stable leadership’ is lacking, as it is in the present situation, people feel frustrated.
Steve has been a stable presence for the past two years. During this time, the Council was told it could not appoint a permanent General Manager, and as department managers positions become vacant, recruiting for permanent replacements in a period of uncertainty is challenging. This direction could easily create feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. The seriousness of the situation should not be underestimated.
Steve was at pains to emphasise that there many capable and effective, interim managers, and other staff. Good work was being done by good people. However, adding to frustrations was the statewide lack of suitable staff.
There are demands for middle and upper management from the State Government, from Local Government and from the Development and Construction sector.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is in the dubiously unique position of ‘waiting for a decision’.
Other Councils may be wanting to demerge; they have not been promised a demerger, then ‘put on hold’. Further and greater frustration Steve McGrath has only been here for two years.
He will hand over soon to a new “interim” General Manager. Steve feels he was unable to complete the task he was employed to carry out. He is frustrated. He is also concerned for his staff.
If the powers-that-be could feel some of Steve’s frustration and that of his staff, maybe something could happen. We are not yet in a crisis, but we are possibly on the way. We see situations like this in other service industries, nursing, hospitals, police. The quality of service becomes difficult to achieve, not matter the good will or dedication.
Steve’s farewell words are important and need to be taken seriously. We are grateful for him, for the work he has done and for the concern he shows for the people with whom he works.
-Richard White