New book: A call to action on more women in local government
16 June 2010
The President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Cr Geoff Lake, today launched a new book on Women in Politics during the National General Assembly of Local Government in front of more than 700 mayors and councilors from across Australia.
The book is a contribution from ALGA to the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government and is aimed at encouraging more women to take the plunge and get involved in politics - particularly in local government. Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, Governor-General of Australia, provided the foreword to the book, where she writes of, "the tangible benefits that diversity brings."
The Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Status of Women, writes in the book, "The decisions we make as a community are better when we use all the information, all the life experience and all the talent our nation has to offer."
The book includes a historical overview of women in politics and profiles a range of leaders including Premier Kristina Keneally, the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Councillor Joyce Crombie and Councillor Rose Jackson.
Many of the women interviewed for the book were at today's launch. Councillor Yvonne Jennings, Australian Ambassador of the Year of Women in Local government 2010, said, "Democracy is about inclusion and diversity. I like influencing decisions and having the opportunity to support women and youth into their full potential. Women can have a voice, be listened to and get some achievements under their belt."
Cr Lake said that although there have been gains in recent times, it was disappointing that only 27% of local government councillors today were women.
"Local government should be leading other levels of government in this area, not trailing them. It is essential that Australians strive to achieve greater participation by women in political life and at all levels of government, however, it is particularly important at the local level where councils must reflect the communities they serve.
"ALGA has produced this publication so that the stories and experiences of the outstanding women profiled here will encourage further change and help to lift the participation rates of women involved in local government."
The book was launched following an informative and entertaining debate on women in politics chaired by Wendy Harmer.
- Media contacts:
- ALGA President, Cr Geoff Lake: 0411 645 281
- Amanda Lynch, ALGA Director Public Affairs, 0419 123 862
