The Pressure is Real and Growing For HR managers and team leaders in local government, the hiring challenge isn’t theoretical, it’s on your desk every day. From planning to childcare, councils are competing to secure skilled, committed workers. The vacancies are real, the teams are stretched, and the community still expects top-notch delivery. This isn’t about plugging short-term gaps. It’s about futureproofing your workforce. Why the Talent Pool is Drying Up We’re seeing a convergence of long-term trends and short-term pressures: An ageing workforce and rising retirement rates Ratepayers expecting more services, with tighter budgets Private sector competition offering better pay, faster progression, and full-time flexibility Declining interest in frontline and technical council roles These challenges are felt differently depending on the region, but the result is the same: critical roles are going unfilled for longer. Snapshot: The Roles Councils Are Struggling to Fill Local governments in all states across Australia are sharing the pain of these hiring challenges, with various roles begging to be filled: NSW: Town Planners, Engineers, Surveyors, Traffic Compliance Officers, Waste Depot Attendants, Customer Service Officers VIC: Town Planners, Technical Officers, Natural Areas Technicians QLD: Local Emergency Management Officers, Town Planners, Waste Services WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT: A similar mix of planning, compliance, and operational support What Candidates Are Really Looking For "Planning and engineering roles are always tough to fill. Candidates expect flexibility, not necessarily from day one, but definitely after they’ve settled in” says Gary Ward, Chandler Macleod’s Business Manager for Government in NSW. The post-COVID job market changed the game. Candidates, especially those coming from private sector roles, are asking different questions: “How flexible is this job, really?” “Can I work a 35-hour week?” “What’s the culture like day to day?” For regional councils, another question comes first: “Can I picture myself living there?” Housing, local schools, and partner employment options are often more persuasive than salary. How Councils Are Getting Creative "Relocation support is often the clincher. If you want people to move regionally, you need to go beyond the job spec and help them picture the whole lifestyle" says Kristy Madaffari, Chandler Macleod’s Manager for Regional NSW Some councils are rethinking their approach entirely. They’re: Tapping into TAFE partnerships to build junior pipelines Headhunting passive candidates instead of waiting for applications Reframing their employer brands to spotlight purpose, stability, and team culture Giving employees real mobility, not just jobs, but clear pathways But there’s still plenty of ground to cover. Many regional councils do exceptional work for their communities, yet this often flies under the radar for job seekers. Strengthening employer branding through social media, careers pages and storytelling can make council roles more appealing to younger candidates and professionals from other sectors. When candidates understand the positive impact councils make daily, they are far more likely to see themselves contributing to that purpose. Additionally, some councils rely on large, generalist recruiters and miss out on the benefits of partnering with local specialists. Recruitment partners with deep community networks can offer tailored support, helping councils secure community-facing and project-specific talent more efficiently. What You Can Action Today Not sure where to start? Try these: Refresh your job ads: make them sharp, human, and honest Tighten your relocation story for regional hires Run a quick staff survey to spot internal flight risks Identify stretch roles that could benefit from early promotion Book time with Chandler Macleod to solve your hardest roles fast How Chandler Macleod Can Help With over 60 councils on our books, we understand local government hiring from the inside. We support with: Targeted search for technical, trade, and leadership roles High-volume campaigns for blue collar and community staff Relocation and onboarding programs EVP and employer brand development to boost talent attraction Let’s build a workforce strategy that works, not just for now, but for what’s next. Contact us today: [link: Local Government Recruitment | Council Workforce Solutions ]

Chandler Macleod is a finalist in the 2025 RCSA Industry Awards for Excellence in Safety & Wellbeing, celebrating 65 years of safety leadership, innovation, and a culture of shared responsibility across Australia and New Zealand.

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Learn how Chandler Macleod collaborates with employees and clients to build a safer work environment through communication, empowerment, and strong partnerships.

At Chandler Macleod, safety is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're an employee, contractor, or labour hire, your role directly impacts workplace safety - not just for yourself, but for those around you. This blog will explore: Why understanding your role is essential for safety The importance of reporting any changes in your role How we all contribute to a strong safety culture Remember, we are all Safety Leaders! The Foundation: Understanding YOUR Role Your role is more than just your tasks—it’s about how your work connects to the safety of your team and the overall workplace. Some connections are obvious, while others are less visible. By recognising these links, we can actively contribute to a safer work environment and reinforce our commitment to quality and safety. The Pillars: How You Perform Your Role Matters Safe work practices are designed to protect you and those around you. Following established procedures minimises risks and enhances productivity. If you have suggestions for improving safety measures, speak up! Thoughtful work design creates a more efficient and secure workplace for everyone. The Change: New Role, New Responsibilities If your role changes—whether through new duties, a different project, or a shift in team structure you must inform Chandler Macleod immediately. We assess job risks and ensure you're paid correctly based on your assigned role. Any changes must be communicated so we can keep safety protocols up to date and ensure your well-being. Talking openly about safety—whether in meetings, training sessions, or daily conversations—helps strengthen our collective safety culture. Empowering Our People Every worker has the power to make the workplace safer. If you see a risk or experience a role change affecting safety, you must report it. Taking action early prevents hazards from turning into incidents. As Safety Leaders, we look out for each other and foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up. Understanding your role, communicating changes, and embracing our shared responsibility for safety are key to maintaining a safe workplace. By staying informed, engaging in safety discussions, and supporting one another, we can build a culture of safety together.  Always remember: We are all Safety Leaders!

Chandler Macleod is a certified corporate member of Social Traders, reinforcing our commitment to ESG principles and social procurement. Learn how this partnership supports social enterprises and drives meaningful community impact.

Meet our School Crossing Superstars! Meet the people who value community, and learn why they think that being a School Crossing Supervisor is a fantastic opportunity!

Discover how RGF Staffing ANZ, including Chandler Macleod, achieved Platinum status on the EcoVadis Sustainability Scorecard, placing us in the top 1% of companies globally. Learn what this milestone means for our sustainability journey and commitment to responsible business practices.

Discover 7 actionable leadership resolutions to inspire growth, foster innovation, and drive organisational success. Learn tips on tackling tough conversations, leveraging psychometric tools, enhancing employee engagement, and more!

Discover the top questions to ask during a job interview in Australia. Learn from expert recruiters how to make a lasting impression, evaluate company culture, and stand out as a candidate.