The Andrews Labor Government will champion greater gender equity and increased diversity across Victoria’s local councils.
Demonstrating the Labor Government’s commitment, Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins today announced $50,000 in funding for the Victorian Local Governance Association’s (VLGA) GoWomenLG 2016 project, which aims to increase the number of female candidates across the state.
The funding will build on existing work and focuses on encouraging women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to consider nominating as candidates at the next election.
The Labor Government will continue to encourage diversity at the next general council elections in October 2016, with a $5000 contribution to a scholarship for a female Director to participate in LGPro's Executive Leadership Program, and a $20,000 grant for the Australian Local Government Women’s Association.
The 2012 council elections saw a record number of women candidates and a female councillor on every one of Victoria’s 79 councils for the first time.
Ms Hutchins confirmed that while the number of women in leadership roles within local government was slowly growing, women were still under represented. Currently 39 per cent (30) of all mayors are women, 35 per cent (217) are councillors and 18 per cent are chief executive officers (14).
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“Funding from the Andrews Labor Government will assist GoWomenLG 2016 in its important work to ensure more gender and cultural diversity at the 2016 council elections.”
“Our councils are most effective when they reflect the communities they serve. That’s why we are investing in mentoring women, and those of Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”
“The current cohort of female councillors have paved the way. We want councils to be representative of the communities they represent, so we need more women from all types of backgrounds to stand up in October 2016.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Local Governance Association Vice President Cr Marg Attley
“Our local democracy is enriched by the participation of people from wonderfully diverse cultures and backgrounds.”
“It’s important that women, particularly those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, are encouraged and supported to put their hand up to represent their community.”
“This additional funding will allow the VLGA to build on its successful history of supporting women in local government. The VLGA is thankful to Ms Hutchins and the Labor Government for funding this essential work.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020