Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins has used a speech to the Australian Local Government Women’s Association to encourage women in Victorian councils to make the most of leadership opportunities.
Speaking at the annual women mayors event, Ms Hutchins urged female leaders to support other women working in local government and encourage them to take on leadership roles.
Women now make up 55 per cent of all local government employees, but just 16 per cent of CEO positions and 34 per cent of Director positions.
Last October’s local government elections saw an increase in female representation on councils – with 38 per cent of elected councillors now women, up from 34 per cent at the 2012 elections.
Earlier this year, Ms Hutchins launched a new program to assist women newly elected to councils.
The Listen, Learn and Lead Gender Equity Program was developed to support women and help them navigate the challenges associated with gender inequality in public service.
The Victorian Government has provided $20,000 to the ALGWA for the mentoring program, designed to encourage and support women elected to their local councils for the first time.
The program matches first time councillors with experienced current and former mayors, to capitalise on the wealth of knowledge that already exists with women in the local government sector.
For more information, visit algwa.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“Victoria’s female mayors and executive council staff are important role models to women who are considering applying for that senior job or running for council at the next election.”
“We are definitely making progress, but we can’t take a backward step towards our goal of gender equity in local government.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020