Local govt’s ‘unacceptable’ gender gap - Women's Agenda

Local govt’s ‘unacceptable’ gender gap

Only 20 women have ever been elected to Adelaide City Council during its 174 year history.

Further afield, just 27% of South Australia’s local councillors are women.

With local council nominations opening next week, the Local Government Association is looking for ways to ensure half of the state’s population gets the representation it deserves at the community level.

“We can’t force people to nominate, people have to choose to do so. And secondly who gets elected is up to the community,” said LGA director of communications Chris Russell.

“Based on the historical experience, there’s roughly an equal chance of men and women getting elected.

“So its really that nomination phase of making sure women feel that they can put their hand up and are encouraged and will be supported to do so.”

Russell stressed that local government was not alone in relation to low levels of female representation.

“We don’t find it acceptable and we’re certainly not resting on our laurels. …We’d certainly like to see that percentage advance at these elections,” Russell said.

“[However] I don’t think it’s appalling. I think it’s just where we are, and I think we and state and federal parliaments need to just try and work to encourage women, identify any barriers and make sure women do have the information so they can put their hand up when the opportunity arises.”

The representation of women on local councils has been increasing over the past several decades, but the trend has plateaued in the past two rounds of council elections (in 2006 and 2010).

Local government in South Australia lags behind the other two tiers of government in terms of gender representation. Women make up 33 per cent of representatives in state parliament and 36 per cent of federal parliament.

Russell said family commitments often discourage women entering local government.

“We know that women take on the primary care giving role in terms of children and families and generally are pretty stretched in terms of available time,” he said.

“So that is an issue – making sure that people are aware that there are allowances that cover travel, child care and dependent care.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Natasha Malani was the youngest woman ever elected to Adelaide City Council.

She said the time and money she has invested to sit on council has been worth it for the opportunity to influence the future of the city.

“My position has always been if you can contribute you should run whether you’re male or female,” Malani said.

“It’s not for the money.

“It’s not for any other reason than to make your city a great place.”

Malani said that anyone considering running for their local council should set aside the next two months, and be prepared to invest some money and time into campaigning.

“You can do it on a budget,” she said.

“You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars but you do need to make some investments.”

“Pick your priority issues that you’re passionate about. Have a bit of a plan as to how you’re going to make that change.”

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