Mick Tucker has been re-elected president of the local government peak for Tasmania for a second term.
The mayor of Break O’Day Council – in the north-east of the state – secured two more years at the helm of the Local Government Association of Tasmania following the organisation’s AGM last month.
“It is an honour to be re-elected as LGAT president, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the sector over the next two years,” Tucker said in a statement. “I believe in the strength of local government and remain committed to passionately advocating for Tasmanian councils to have the tools and support they need to serve their communities.”
LGAT chief executive officer Dion Lester congratulated Tucker on his reappointment. “It has been a pleasure working alongside Mick. His unwavering focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for councils will continue to make a difference across the sector,” said Lester.
Speaking one-on-one to GN earlier in the year, Tucker said he was motivated to enter local government by a strong belief that if you’re not happy with what’s being done, you need to put your hand up and try to make a difference. “Criticising from the sidelines does not change anything. As the old saying goes, ‘You can’t play in the sandpit if you don’t get in it.’”
Always remember that you were born with two ears and one mouth … listen to your community.
Tucker told GN that residents have a very personal relationship with local government. “We are the closest level of government to the people. In rural and regional Australia, councils are often the first place people turn to for help and also the place of last resort after they’ve been turned away by other [government] departments,” he said. “Being part of the community and a leader in the sector means people have someone who they can talk to, trust and rely on for help. During natural disasters, the local council will be hard at the coalface helping wherever they can.”
Asked what makes an effective leader, Tucker said the ability to listen to the whole argument before making a decision. “Always remember that you were born with two ears and one mouth – use them in the appropriate proportions that you were given,” he said. “Listen to your community and always strive to base the decisions that you make on the best interests of your community.”
It’s important to take the time to listen to everyone to understand competing viewpoints, Tucker added. “By doing so, you sometimes gain a different perspective and knowledge about an issue that you were not aware of, which could reshape your own thinking.”
Asked what advice he’d give someone aspiring to work in public service, Tucker replied: “Be honest about what your motivations are. Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to be a person who will go in and bat for the battler? Will you fight for what you believe in and fight for your sector? Local government is one of the most challenging places to be but the best place to be if you really want to make a difference.”
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