The Secret to Getting What You Want from Local Government with Matt Burnett

Mayor Matt Burnett of Gladstone, Queensland, shares how he went from teenage journalist and small business owner to long-serving mayor and national local government leader. Matt explains how he uses influence and advocacy to secure funding for community projects like pools, sports facilities, and research centers, while always putting Gladstone first. He breaks down his inclusive leadership style, making sure every voice is heard in the council chamber, then presenting a united front for the community. Matt also reflects on mentors, musical influences like Kurt Cobain, and why his core leadership rule is simple: treat people how you want to be treated. Listeners walk away with practical leadership and advocacy insights that apply whether you’re in local government, business, or community roles.

Takeaways:

Influence as Advocacy: Matt sees influence and advocacy as inseparable your real power as a leader comes from how effectively you can advocate for your community with ministers, agencies, and partners. Inclusive Leadership Works: His leadership standard is inclusion: everyone gets a say, debate is fully aired, and once a decision is made, the council presents a united, professional front to the community. Data-Backed Impact for Gladstone: Matt consistently secures major wins for Gladstone like funding for pools, sports facilities, and research centers by combining clear community needs, detailed planning, and solid data so proposals are almost impossible to refuse.

Quotes:

“If you don’t have influence, your ability to advocate is not very good.” “If you can’t accept someone’s opinion that is different to yours and move on for the better good of your community, then ultimately you all lose your position.” “Always treat people how you want to be treated.”

Timestamp:

[00:00:00] – Introducing Mayor Matt Burnett and the Find Your Influence Podcast [00:02:30] – From Gladstone Mayor to National Local Government Leader [00:04:05] – What “Influence” Really Means: Advocacy in Action [00:06:44] – From 19-Year-Old Journalist to Elected Councilor [00:09:57] – Big Wins: Funding Pools, Sports Facilities, and Research Centers [00:12:40] – The Broken 50m Pool and the Push for Olympic-Standard Facilities [00:14:39] – Mentors, Role Models, and the People Who Shaped His Leadership [00:17:02] – Growing Other Leaders: From Tradesman to Deputy Mayor [00:21:16] – Inclusive Leadership and Running Effective Council Meetings [00:22:40] – Balancing Risk and Innovation: The E-Scooter Debate [00:25:55] – Decisions You See When You Drive Around Town [00:34:52] – Matt’s Core Leadership Rule for Students and Future Leaders

Conclusion:

Matt Burnett’s journey from teenage journalist and small business owner to long-serving mayor and national local government leader shows how influence is earned through years of consistent service, not quick wins. His story highlights how advocacy plus data-clear community needs, solid planning, and real numbers can unlock major investments in pools, sports facilities, and research centers for a regional city like Gladstone. Matt’s leadership standard of inclusion, where every voice is heard before decisions are made, offers a powerful model for any leader who wants a team that debates hard but stands united in public. Along the way, he proves that growing other leaders like deputies, councilors, and emerging community figures is a core part of leaving a real legacy. Above all, his simple rule, “always treat people how you want to be treated,” becomes the thread that ties together his approach to politics, advocacy, and everyday leadership.

Connect with Matt Burnett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-burnett-1757b1110/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayormattburnett/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbqld/