Hi, I’m Tim O’Loughlin.
I am running for
Norwood Kensington
A little about me.
As I’m running for Council in November 2026, I thought it might be valuable for you to know a bit about me and what I stand for. To cut to the chase, I hope my story, credentials and ideas will encourage you to vote for me as your local member in the city of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.
My wife Rosie and our family came to Norwood in 1986.
We found a charming old house in the recently renamed Kensington Norwood Ward (where you live) and have been here ever since.
Two of our three children live in Adelaide, and we have been blessed with four wonderful grandchildren.
Originally, I came to Adelaide to work for Santos where I spent 12 years working in a variety of roles mostly looking after the company’s input into government policy.
The next 16 years.
Chief Executive of the Department of Arts and Cultural Development for 5 years.
Chief Executive of the Department of Transport for 5 years.
Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet for 3 years.
Commissioner for Renewable Energy for 3 years.
The past 14 years.
Teaching public policy to post graduate students at two universities – concentrating on public sector finance analysis and management.
Chair of Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Chair of State Opera of South Australia.
Board Member of the Australian Arts Council.
President of the South Australian Bridge Federation.
Currently serving as Presiding Member of the City of Onkaparinga’s Audit and Risk Committee.
Importantly that council, to its eternal credit, has turned around seven consecutive years of financial losses to now being in the black.
3 Reasons why I’ve thrown my hat in the ring.
1.
Rate Revenue Increases by Council and Year. Refer to diagram 1.
2.
Council Debt per Capita by Year.
Refer to diagram 2.
Debt modelling for Norwood Payneham & St Peters council by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia don’t paint a pretty picture.
3.
1.
2.
“Operating surpluses over the Forecast Period will depend upon rates growing at an average of 4.8 percent and the Council containing growth in operating expenses at below historical levels, while also servicing increased debt. The Long Term Financial Plan does not state how lower growth in expenses will be achieved.”
What’s not to love about living in Norwood?
I’m sure you’d agree, by and large we live in wonderful place with so many great advantages. However, we can’t take our wonderful assets and lifestyle for granted.
I see my job as your new council rep to ensure we protect all the things we love and enjoy but plan better, manage those plans better and manage the city financials better.
It’s time for fresh
thinking.
I also noted with great interest that the Norwood Residents Association had a strategy meeting in early March. They discussed major areas of concern within our city and highlighted the following topics.
- Fiscal control of council
- Traffic and parking issues
- Degradation of neighbourhood character
- Decimation of ‘greening’ our city
- Footpath safety
- Declining services for an aging population.
Fresh eyes and minds with new skills are needed and council must listen to what the people of our city are saying and feeling.
The Essential Service Commission clearly has concerns about our existing governance and sustainability; “Greater community consultation should have occurred to ensure transparency and manage expectations regarding levels of debt and rate impacts.”
Talk to Tim.
If you’ve got a question or suggestion you would like to share, I would appreciate hearing from you.