The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) has launched ‘The Way Forward’, a review of the National Framework for Women in Local Government.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Women’s Leadership and Development Program, the review identifies achievements and changes in issues affecting women’s participation in Local Government. It also provides current information on services and programs on a State by State basis.
In 2001, ALGWA, in conjunction with the Federal Office of the Status of Women, produced the National Framework for Women in Local Government in 2001. It involved extensive consultation to identify the issues confronting both employed and elected women in the sector.
ALGWA National President, Kaele Way, said the aim of the review is to revise the content of this framework to ensure it is an accurate and relevant reference and resource.
“Since the initial consultation was undertaken in 2001, some advances have been achieved in strengthening the role of women in Local Government, but more needs to be done,” she said. “Women are still significantly under represented in elected member and senior management positions in Australian Local Government and this review provides strategies that can be applied by State and Local Government to ensure women achieve their full potential within the Local Government sector.”
The Way Forward tracks the progress of the 2001 framework and proposes a number of key strategies and actions to achieve greater representation of women in Australian Local Government. These include the development of a comprehensive communication strategy by ALGWA, which will involve regular issuing of media releases on progress of the national framework; the inclusion of a section on Women in Local Government in the annual Local Government National Report, which is prepared under the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995 by DOTARS; and State Government reviews of the remuneration of Councillors, taking into account the special needs of women.
Local Government is also being urged to ensure that existing legislative provisions and voluntary codes of conduct intended to promote an inclusive organisational culture, equal opportunity and good governance are implemented effectively.
In the review document, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, Julie Bishop, said that women play an active role in all aspects of Australian society.
“It is important that women actively engage at all levels of leadership and decision making, particularly within government,” she said. “Women in government make valuable contributions to the development of public policy and contribute significantly to the wellbeing of the community.
“Diversity in government makes good sense, as it does in all areas of Australian society. Governments whose composition reflects the diversity of the community have an enhanced understanding of the different needs of the community, which in turn leads to enhanced service provision and greater prosperity.”
The Way Forward was sent to all Councils during May and June.
ALGWA is now establishing a National Steering Committee to implement the findings of its research and recommendations.
To view the framework and review, visit the ALGWA website at www.algwa.net.au
For further information contact Kaele Way on 0412 177 793 or email president@algwa.net.au
