Then Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese called for all Australian councils to better reflect the communities they seek to represent when he officially launched the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government in Sydney in January 2009.
Speaking from the Sydney Town Hall, Minister Albanese said Local Government, as the level closest to the community, makes an important contribution to the nation, delivering vital infrastructure and human services. He said it is therefore absolutely critical that it remains relevant to, and in touch with its communities.
“Councils understand the concerns of their communities and work towards their welfare and prosperity,” Minister Albanese said at the launch. “Given the contribution Local Governments make and the role they play, there is an obvious need to redress the gender imbalance wherever it exists.”
Despite being unable to attend the launch, former Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, said she was very proud to be serving in a government that boasted more women in senior parliamentary positions than any other Australian Government, including the first female Deputy and now current, Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
“There is no lack of talented women in Australia,” Tanya Plibersek said. “Many get their political start in Local Government and the Australian Government is keen to support more women in these roles.”
The Australian Government’s commitment to increasing the engagement of women in Local Government included:
- $250,000 for ALGWA’s three year 50:50 Vision:
Council for Gender Equity program, which audited
councils to determine the status and participation of
women in leadership roles - $100,000 in scholarship funding, enabling senior women in Local
Government to participate in the new executive leadership
program being developed by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government and the Australia and New Zealand School of
Government - $100,000 to improve the collection of data and reporting
on the status of women in the Local Government sector - $40,000 to Local Government Managers Australia for the 2010
Management Challenge, which enabled around 130 councils to
identify strategies to promote gender equity in their councils.
The launch also saw the unveiling of a dedicated website (www.lgwomen2010.org.au), which was designed and sponsored by online community engagement specialists Bang the Table.
The launch was sponsored by the City of Sydney and hosted by Sydney General Manager, Monica Barone.
Guest speakers included 2010 Year of Women in Local Government Ambassador and Penrith City Councillor, Karen McKeown and City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, Marcelle Hoff.
