The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG), based at the University of Technology Sydney, is launching Australia’s first, extensive profile of the local government workforce.
The purpose of the ‘Profile of the Local Government Workforce’ publication is to support the implementation of the National Local Government Workforce Strategy prepared for ACELG by Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA).
Centre Director, Associate Professor Roberta Ryan says local government is an Australian powerhouse, punching above its weight in terms of its contribution to the nation’s economy and social fabric, particularly in regional, rural and remote Australia.
“Australia’s 556 local governments employ nearly 200,000 people in a diverse range of roles across the country.
“Together, Australia’s local governments spend more than $30 billion annually.”
In a number of rural and remote Local Government Areas across Australia, local government is either the top, or one of the top, employers.
“The report also shows, however, that the local government workforce is ageing and there are too few women in senior positions.
“About one third of all councillors (30 percent) and one quarter of mayors (23 percent) are women.
“The proportion of women being elected to these positions is about equal to the proportion being nominated.
“This means that when women stand for election, they are successful, and the real barrier is getting more women to stand in the first place.”
ACELG, through its university-accredited programs, will continue to develop the leadership capacity of local government, both professional staff and elected representatives with a number of cutting-edge short courses now open for enrollment.
ACELG’s in-depth research capacity, focused solely on the local government sector, underpins all ACELG teaching and learning programs and the Centre’s advisory work with local, state and federal governments on critical public policy issues.
For more information visit www.acelg.org.au
*Copy supplied by The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government
