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 Rosey 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.
“Financial planning by our Council is just hit and miss. It got over its head sinking into the quicksand of creeping debt. It now plans to recover some of the ground by suspending new projects and cutting back maintenance of existing assets for the foreseeable future.
Left unattended, the potholes will get bigger, the cracks in the stormwater drains will expand while the playgrounds become decrepit. All of this will cost a lot more to fix when a future Council is forced to act.
This is no way to plan – a fresh strategy is needed”.
3 Reasons why I’ve thrown my hat in the ring.
Council debt has been allowed to get out of control. It must be reversed. Refer to diagram 1.
1.
2.
Protection of built heritage in all of its forms must become more robust.
Council needs to find fresh, better ways to engage with the people - the avalanche of glossy brochures does not cut it.
3.
1.
Sources: Council’s draft long term financial plans from 2026/27; Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census
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.” (Essential Services Commission of South Australia February 2026 P.14)
What’s not to love about living in Norwood?
I’m sure you’d agree, by and large we live in an extraordinary 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 run 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.” (ESCOSA report P.5)
Talk to Tim.
If you’ve got a question or suggestion you would like to share, I would appreciate hearing from you.