ALGA, ALGWA urge more women to consider local government
8 March 2006
International Women's Day: Women in decision making
The Australian Local Government Association has today joined with the Australian Local Government Women's Association to urge more women to consider local government, either by standing for office or as a career option.
The theme for this year's International Women's Day is 'Women in decision making'.
ALGWA President, Mrs Kaele Way, said that International Women's Day was established in 1977 by the United Nations to provide an opportunity to celebrate the progress made to advance equality for women and to assess the challenges that remain.
"Women are participating in local government in greater numbers than ever before. It provides women with an opportunity to participate in the decision making process at the community level - a level which provides immediate and obvious results, a level where you can make a real difference to the lives of others," Mrs Way said.
"However, we still have a long way to go. While women comprise half our population, we represent just 27.6 per cent of Australia's 6,400 elected local government representatives. That's basically little more than one in four.
"ALGWA's goal is simple - we aim to encourage and support women's involvement and participation in local government throughout Australia. The Association is a non-party political, not-for-profit and self-funded. It is open to all who support women's participation in the decision-making roles in their communities.
"Our activities are aimed at:
- increasing knowledge and understanding of the function of local government
- encouraging women to participate in local government
- encouraging women to make a career in local government
- protecting the interests and rights of women in local government
- and taking action in relation to any subject or activity affecting local government and local government legislation.
"One of most important things we do is our workshops and seminars for women who want to run for local government. We help them by de-mystifying the electoral process and provide information, support and advice," Mrs Way said.
ALGA President, Cr Paul Bell, praised the success of women in local government, noting that they occupied the most senior roles in the sector, from lord mayors, mayors and shire presidents to the presidents of state local government associations.
"We have come a long way since the days of Susan Grace Benny - Australia's first female politician. She became a member of the Brighton Council in South Australia - now Hodlfast Bay - late in 1919 - only weeks after Nancy Astor's celebrated election to the British Parliament.
"Grace, as she was known, was appointed to represent the newly created South Ward on the Brighton Council on petition of ratepayers. She served through two elections.
"To quote the Adelaide Advertiser on 20 December 1919 - 'she entered the council from a sense of public duty, believing that there is work to be done in municipal life which will not even be commenced unless a woman undertakes it'.
"In November 1922 she stood for the position of Mayor and was unfortunately defeated.
"We've come a long way since 1919, but we still have a long way to go. I hope Grace will be an inspiration to women throughout Australia who want to make a difference for their communities," Cr Bell said.
ALGA is working closely with ALGWA to promote greater participation of women in local government.
- Contact
- Cr Paul Bell AM, ALGA President - 0418 791 596
- Mrs Kaele Way, ALGWA President - 0412 177 793
- Rohan Greenland, ALGA Public Affairs - 0412 85 9434 / 02 6122 9434
