Dr Felicity-ann Lewis OAM has been appointed the new chair of South Australia’s Behavioural Standards Panel, which investigates referred claims of serious or repeated misbehaviour by council members.
A former South Australian of the Year, Dr Lewis is a highly respected figure bringing extensive local government experience to the role having served consecutive terms as City of Marion Mayor over 14 years.
Local Government Minister, Joe Szakacs, congratulated Dr Lewis on her appointment and said her extensive local government background would be a huge asset to the Panel.
“Dr Lewis has spent a lifetime in local government and seen how the processes of councils work from the inside-out. She will bring significant lived experience to the role, which will be highly valuable in setting and maintaining high standards,” said Mr Szakacs.
“There is no place in local government for behaviour which threatens the wellbeing or health and safety of others. Ratepayers rightly expect councillors to act with integrity and be focused on delivering outcomes for the communities they serve.
“As a former elected member, Felicity-ann has devoted herself to serving and representing her community – whether it be on council, as a member of Probus Clubs or leading local sporting organisations.
“She’s been an advocate for local government throughout her long-standing career – I’m confident her knowledge and experience will provide strong leadership for the Behavioural Standards Panel over the coming term.
“I also thank outgoing chair Thilan Legierse for her dedication in helping establish the Panel and ensuring it has a strong foundation to build upon into the future.”
The State Government worked with LGA and councils on reforms in 2021 which led to introduction of the Behavioural Standards Panel in November 2022 as part of a suite of measures in the Behavioural Management Framework, which replaced the previous Code of Conduct system.
When councils are unable to resolve serious or repeated behavioural matters internally, they can refer them to the Panel for independent judgment and, where appropriate, sanctioning.
Meanwhile, the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) has launched several new initiatives to support behaviour management, including a review to better understand areas of strength and improvement in the system.
“Alongside a process to look at the current framework, LGA will be establishing an early intervention panel and exploring new processes to identify behavioural issues sooner and resolve them faster,” said LGASA President, Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross.
“When it comes to behaviour, councils make decisions that have direct impact on the communities they serve, so we know decision-making must be robust and ideas debated and tested thoroughly within the council chamber.
“These conversations are often passionate and spirited – as they should be – but they should never overstep the line so that anyone feels unsafe in their role. Respect and inclusivity must always be front of mind and poor behaviour won’t be tolerated.
“We’ve seen from their recent decision that the Behavioural Standards Panel are willing to exercise their new powers to suspend elected members for unacceptable behaviour.
“LGA looks forward to continuing our positive working relationship with Minister Szakacs, the Office of Local Government and the Panel throughout our consultation process and we welcome opportunities to strengthen sector leadership and manage council member behaviour into the future,” she said.
