200 words (3 minutes reading time) by Tim Whistler

I drafted a response to Colin Weatherby’s post and then decided to ask ChatGPT for help. I was heading down the same path as Colin with a rather dry and technical post. So, I asked ChatGPT to re-write my post as a rousing speech. Something you might hear from someone like Churchill (or me on a soap box).

Here it is.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to rise above the mundane, the short-sightedness, and the status quo. Colin’s technical jargon may have dulled the urgency of the situation, but let me be clear: what we are witnessing is not just disappointing; it’s nothing short of disastrous.

Are we really going to entrust the future of our councils to mere “minders”? Leaders, they are not, for they are steering our councils toward perilous waters, leaving behind a legacy of mess and irresponsibility.

It’s painfully evident that these so-called leaders are opting for the path of least resistance. They’re making decisions that may be easy for them but detrimental to our communities. It’s time for change, and it starts with our councillors.

Our councillors must possess the skills and determination to hold CEOs accountable, not just for short-term gains but for the long-term well-being of our communities. It’s a challenging task, no doubt. But let’s not forget that some among us are mired in short-term thinking, obsessed with the next election, and their own political fortunes. While they may not represent the majority, they exist.

I recently had a conversation with a seasoned local government CEO, and what he revealed was eye-opening. Many CEOs have thrived simply by keeping the council’s finances in check and maintaining cozy relationships with their councillors. But let me ask you, is this a formula for high-performance governance that meets the needs and expectations of our communities? I think not.

What we need, my friends, is nothing short of a transformation in local government. The rate cap has left our current system teetering on the brink of failure. And relying on OECD thinking alone won’t save us from this impending disaster, nor will it shield our communities from the fallout.

So, I implore you, let’s rally together for change. Let’s demand true leadership, accountability, and a vision for the long-term prosperity of our councils and communities. It’s time to act, for the future of our local government depends on it.“

Footnote

It was suggested to me that a more Australian approach to this post would have been to ask for the speech to be written in the style of former Prime Minister Paul Keating. Either way, the message is clear.

“Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me tell you straight – what we’re witnessing here isn’t just a disappointment, it’s an outright disaster. Colin may have a knack for clear and technical writing, but sometimes, it’s the raw, unfiltered truth that hits home the hardest.

You see, we’ve got folks in leadership positions, or should I say, they’re posing as leaders. But let’s call a spade a spade – they’re mere caretakers, placeholders at best. They’re at the top job, but they’re not really steering the ship; they’re just keeping the council’s seat warm until someone with a bit more responsibility comes along to clean up the mess they’re allowing to fester.

And when it comes to decision-making, well, it’s all too easy for them. They’re taking the path of least resistance, making choices that might look good on the surface but lack the depth and foresight our communities truly need.

But you know who really needs to step up here? Our councillors. They’re the ones who should be holding our CEOs accountable, not just for short-term gains but for the long-term well-being of our communities. It’s a tough job, no doubt about it. But it becomes near impossible when even our elected representatives are caught up in the whirlwind of short-term thinking, obsessed with the next election and their own chances of reelection.

Now, I’m not saying this about all councillors – most of them are doing their best. But, as the saying goes, a few bad apples can spoil the bunch.

I recently had a chat with a seasoned local government CEO, a wise old hand in the game. And you know what he said? He suggested that many CEOs have managed to thrive over the years by simply keeping the council’s finances in check and being buddies with their councillors. Well, let me tell you, that’s hardly a recipe for high-performance governance. It won’t cut it when it comes to meeting the diverse needs and expectations of our communities.

What we need here is nothing short of a transformation – a revitalization of our local government. The rate cap, it’s making our current system incredibly fragile, vulnerable to failure. And let me be crystal clear, folks, relying on OECD thinking won’t save us from this impending catastrophe. We need bold and visionary leadership, not just caretakers.

So, it’s time to ask ourselves, where are we headed? Are we content with caretakers, or are we ready to demand real leadership? It’s up to us to steer the ship, to navigate these treacherous waters, and to ensure that our communities thrive, not just survive.

Thank you.”