A record 28.41 per cent of the contenders in the 2010 South Australian council elections are women – an increase of about one per cent on the
2006 elections.
Some 362 of the total of 1,274 nominees are women.
In 2006, more than 27.43 per cent of candidates were women, and back in 2000, the figure was 24.8 per cent.
Currently, 27.3 per cent of South Australian councillors are women.
Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) CEO Wendy Campana said while the gender of candidates elected is an issue solely for voters, the Association is delighted to see the number of women who put their hands up this year.
“Whether it is a result of the national and local efforts of the promotions for the Year of Women in Local Government, or the ‘Julia factor’ with women recognising they do have value to add in deciding the directions of their communities, this is a great result,” Wendy Campana said.
“The final result will be determined by voters, not along gender lines, but will ultimately go to the person who has shown they have what it takes to represent the community on council.”
Wendy Campana said if the proportion of women candidates translates into elected members, councils will be ahead of the current 27.5 per cent representation of women in State Parliament.
A list of all candidates is available on the LGASA website at www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/elections
South Australian voters will receive their ballot packs between 25 and 29 October, with voting closing on 12 November.
