The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women Senator Michaelia Cash spoke at the annual Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) breakfast in Canberra, saying that she supports diversity in local government.
“When the status quo is predominately male, it is difficult for women to break through.”
However, she said the Liberal Federal government would not legislate for quotas and talked of ‘normalising the workplace so that it reflects our society’.
“It might take longer than quotas, but it will be genuine.
“Women will need the support of men and other women.”
Increasing women’s participation in the workforce was highlighted as key criteria for the Liberal Government.
More than 80 people attended the ALGWA breakfast, including Australian Local Government Association President Felicity-ann Lewis, Municipal Association of Victoria President Councillor Bill McArthur and Jane Prentice MP.
Australian Local Government Women’s President Kathy Bensted said that ALGWA aimed for diversity in councils.
“Just 28.4 percent of councillors are women, 21.6 percent Mayors and 7.4 percent CEOs.”
President Bensted also advocated for Councils to enrol in 5050Vision, the councils for gender equity awards program.
The costs of the program, which encourages full participation at both elected and non-elected levels, have decreased and new brochures have been sent to councils.
“Local government is about fair representation of their communities within the ranks of elected and employed people.”
She also reminded the audience that ALGWA’S biannual conference is in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, March 2015 and there will be workshops held prior to give councils tools for workplace diversity.
