Call for ambassadors for the Year of Women in Local Government 2010
Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) National President, Neil Hartley, has called for nominations from suitable men and women to act as ambassadors for the Year of Women in Local Government 2010.
“The ambassador program aims to encourage and enlighten the Local Government sector on the benefits of a diverse workplace and the benefits that women can bring to leadership roles, and to inspire women to become more involved in Local Government,” Neil Hartley said.
“There are many great women and men involved in the sector, both in management and at the council level, with great stories to tell about their journey in Local Government and their support for women within the sector.”
Nominations are open to those working within the Local Government sector, elected representatives, volunteers and people from Local Government support agencies such as membership organisations or State bodies.
Guidelines and a nomination form are available from the LGMA website at www.lgma.org.au and nominations will close on 31 August 2009.
“I encourage everyone in Local Government to take a look at the guidelines and consider making a nomination,” Neil Hartley said. “It is only through participation in the programs around the Year of Women in Local Government 2010 that we will achieve our aim of increasing the number of women in management and leadership within the sector.”
The topic of women in Local Government and in particular women in management and leadership positions in Local Government has been around for a long time. All levels of government are acutely aware of the barriers facing women, yet nationally only a handful of councils are addressing the issue.
Currently women in senior management roles represent only 20 per cent of the Local Government workforce. This level of representation has not changed since 1996.
Only five per cent of chief executives or general managers are women, and women represent less than 30 per cent of all elected members.
To address this issue and promote the advancement of women in management and leadership roles within Local Government, a national steering committee has been formed to facilitate the Year of Women in Local Government in 2010 to raise awareness and educate the Local Government sector on the value and contribution of women as leaders.
The steering committee is made up of members from all levels of government, professional and elected member associations, peak bodies and Local Government representatives, and is supported by LGMA National.
