Right to stand for local government

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) in partnership with the Victorian Government has launched the 2016 Victoria thinking ahead – more women for local governments Project.

“With this partnership , we will be able to keenly focus on rural and regional Victoria, and we will be looking to the government for support in building greater diversity in council representation,” said VLGA President Councillor. Sebastian Klein.

The goal is to increase the number of women candidates in every local government ward and un-subdivided municipality in the 2016 elections.

The VLGA will be working to ensure that the diversity of women is represented amongst candidates, including Aboriginal women, young women and women from migrant or refugee communities, as well as many other
under-represented diversities.

“We know that this goal can be achieved but only with the help of our partners across Victoria.

“Individual women and men, local governments, community organisations and networks, and businesses can all help make a difference to the gender equity and diversity of local governments,” said Cr Klein.

“The VLGA Project will develop information and resources to encourage women. The aim is to make the campaign visible in every municipality through use of media, events, and with our partners.”