Strengthening governance, civility and conflict capability in local government
Working with councils across Australia
CIVILITY coming September 2026
by Anne Marie Cade
The book is a practical guide for mayors, councillors, CEOs and governance leaders navigating conflict and pressure in local government . Drawing on Anne-Marie Cade’s experience as a former Mayor, Councillor, lawyer and mediator, the book shows how leaders can disagree well, manage high-conflict dynamics and protect trust in democratic decision-making. The book sets out strategies for leading with dignity, courage and composure when the work is hard.
Helping to create a culture of civility in local government.
Conflict between Councillors, the refusal to cooperate with each other and combative Council meetings is causing dysfunction in Councils. The infighting is costing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and harms their reputation. The refusal of Councillors to cooperate has led to over 56 Councillors resigning and the appointment of Monitors to over 10 Councils over the last term in Victoria.
It does not have to be this way. Conflict does not have to be destructive. When Councillors learn the skills on how to navigate conflict effectively, negotiate and work collaboratively, they can foster great working relationships.
When Councillors work with me I help them navigate conflict effectively and teach them the skills to respond to discord constructively, preventing the collapse into contempt and arguments. My approach to managing conflict is grounded in the latest insights from neuroscience, conflict mediation, and social psychology.
Corporate Partner
Clients
Former Mayor and Councillor
Anne-Marie Cade
I love working with local government leaders and teaching them the practical tools and strategies to improve their governance capability, manage conflict effectively and foster collaborative working relationships. I am an award-winning mediator, lawyer, and conflict resolution specialist and I I have lived experiece in the role.
2024 Service to Dispute Resolution
Conflict Coach of the Year
ADR Project of the Year
ADR Innovation of the Year
Mediator of the year
How I can help
-
Mediation & Negotiation
Mediation to help you resolve your disputes. I can help you foster open and honest discussions with your fellow Councillors or staff to achieve long-term resolutions.
-
Coaching
I provide Councillors with the targeted coaching support needed to navigate difficult conversations, become effective communicators and deal with specific conflict issues so you can manage the dynamics within the group with ease.
-
Professional Development
Meet the yearly mandatory training requirements. Workshops are designed to equip Councillors and teams with the skills needed to effectively manage conflict, navigate difficult conversations and cultivate civility.
-
Trauma Informed Practice
Wordsmithing and meticulously reviewing policies and documents to ensure clarity so there is little room for confusion. I can also assist with drafting correspondence to enhance communication and elevate community engagement.
-
![]()
Conflict management training for South Australian Mayors
I recently attended a training session held by Anne Marie Cade with South Australian Mayors, many of whom had experienced divided councils and disruptive behaviours. She gave practical information, useful tips and valuable insights into the means, technique and responses to assist in managing conflict and disruption.
Having attended a range of similar workshops over the years, I can say this was the best.
Lord Mayor of Adelaide - Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM.
-
![]()
Workshop at ALGWA conference
Anne Marie delivered an outstanding and deeply impactful presentation for ALGWA Victoria on incivility and conflict management, She brought not only her extensive expertise but also a genuine passion for fostering respectful and constructive workplace cultures.
Anne Marie created a space where complex issues were addressed with clarity, empathy, and real-world insight. Her ability to connect with the audience, share relatable experiences, and offer practical strategies left a lasting impression on all who attended. A presentation that was not only informative, but empowering. We are grateful for her contribution and highly recommend her to any organization seeking meaningful change in how conflict is understood and managed.
Her personal engagement was truly exceptional.
Claire Williams - President - ALGWA (Vic)
-
![]()
“Anne-Marie has presented to our alumni at ‘Women for Election’ on multiple occasions on “How to Navigate Difficult Conversations”. Anne-Marie provides women running for election with the opportunity to practise responding to negative talk. She also offers practical tips for uncomfortable conversations, whether on the campaign trail or once elected. Anne-Marie has significant knowledge on conflict resolution techniques and she can provide a unique perspective on how to navigate difficult conversations in the political context
Licia Heath CEO – Women for Election, Australia
-
![]()
Anne-Marie Cade brought invaluable expertise to our inaugural Political Wellbeing Summit, sharing practical strategies for councillors in effective conflict resolution particularly post-campaign when relationships can be strained. Her insights helped attendees navigate the complexities of relationships with others in the governing body including how to cultivate curiosity when faced with inevitable conflict. List Item
Founder & Lead Facilitator, Locale Learning
Emma Broomfield
-
![]()
Module on Civility and Conflict Management
Anne-Marie’s expertise in fostering alternative dispute resolution principles across multiple contexts is informed by a genuine belief in the value and achievability of civility. Drawing on her deep experience as a lawyer and public figure, her practical approach to conflict management foregrounds productive and cooperative techniques to negotiating conflict. Critically, Anne-Marie reminds us that these techniques can be learnt and applied, even in the most challenging of circumstances. We are delighted that Anne-Marie will sharing her wisdom and practical advice with Pathways to Politics for Women participants this year.
Dr. Meredith Martin - Victorian Director and National Co-Convenor Pathways to Politics Program for Women
-
![]()
"Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We gained much from your presentation on how to navigate the role as a new Councillor, and this is confirmed by comments made by all present."
Max Arnott - Board Chair at Colac Area Health Foundation."
-
![LGA South Australia]()
Training on psychological safety for Deputy Mayors
Your insights and experience really added to the Forum, and we’ve already had great feedback from participants who appreciated hearing directly from leaders like you. Your contribution helped create the thoughtful conversations we were hoping for. Thank you.
Invite Anne-Marie to speak at your next event. Her presentations are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Her insights into human behavior and conflict management have made her a sought-after speaker.
Check out the Podcast
