The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) has slammed the City of Boroondara for its decision to not appoint a delegate to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), dashing the leadership hopes of Interim President Councillor Coral Ross.
Cr Ross, a former mayor of Boroondara, has been in the Interim President role since November, after former President, Bill McArthur, failed to be re-elected in the Victorian local government elections.
The MAV is scheduled to hold elections in March when the board’s current term expires.
Boroondara Council decided in a closed meeting not to appoint a delegate to the MAV, meaning Cr Ross will not be eligible to stand for the role of President.
If elected, Cr Ross would have become the first female President of the MAV.
President of ALGWA’s Victorian branch Helen Coleman said ALGWA was bitterly disappointed by Boroondara’s decision.
“It is a travesty that her local council has decided not to appoint a MAV delegate, a prerequisite to standing for election, and therefore depriving the sector of her leadership and of someone who has always been a strong voice for local government.
“I’m surprised regarding Boroondara’s actions from two perspectives, firstly not availing the Boroondara Council of the prospect of having a much prized “seat at the MAV’s decision making table”, and secondly what appears to be a deliberate and ludicrous decision to deny a highly respected councillor the opportunity to represent ALL genders on the leading Local Government body.
“This is a ‘No Win” outcome for the “home side” – or for all other Local Governments in Victoria.
“Without a representative, Boroondara Council will be paying its membership fee and waiving its right to be part of important decision making at the Victorian Local Government peak body level.”
