30 Nov, 2022

Long-serving Councillor's new leadership role

Councillor Phillip Martin is the City of Adelaide’s next Deputy Lord Mayor following a unanimous vote last night at the new Council’s first meeting.

Phil is a North Adelaide local and has lived in and been part of the community for over 30 years.

His experience includes senior media executive roles with the ABC and SBS, he has been a business owner, chair of a local co-op board and been a North Ward Councillor since 2014.

The Deputy Lord Mayor role is a 12-month appointment, with Councillors voting last night to both continue to have a Deputy Lord Mayor and for the role to be rotated each year of this term.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith welcomed Councillor Martin to the role.

“Elected three times by his community in North Adelaide, Phil is someone who will always put the needs of the community first,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Phil has been a fearless advocate for his community and his experience as a Councillor and in executive media and business roles makes him a great fit for the role.

“I am looking forward to working closely with him as my deputy over the next 12 months.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Martin said it was a great honour to be elected.

“I’m grateful and humbled to be nominated and unanimously elected by my colleagues, and I look forward to the work ahead of us,” said the Deputy Lord Mayor.

“This new team has already been working hard to ensure the term is a successful one, and the city can be assured they have a new Council in place that will get on with the job.”

The Deputy Lord Mayor said he looked forward to a workshop on Tuesday to discuss options for a return to two meetings of Council a month, and options for a new committee system to improve policy processes and governance.

"I know the Lord Mayor has advocated strongly for a return to more regular meetings and I'm delighted to support her proposal as best as I'm able,” said the Deputy Lord Mayor.

“Efficient committees are vital to the work of all Councils and not least our capital city Council, so I'm keen to be part of a discussion and hear the thoughts and views of my colleagues who'll drive any decisions."

Matt Halliwell