MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Coat of Arms

15 April 2009
AA123/2009

RUDD LABOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

The Rudd Labor Government has today announced $23,000 in funding for the Australian Local Government Women's Association to support plans to encourage more women to participate in local government.

We will contribute to projects that support and attract women into local government - as councillors and as staff. Funding will be provided towards the following:

  • the Gender Equity in Local Government project and the development of mentor networks to support women's participation in local government over three years.  A representative from the Department of Infrastructure will now be on the ALGWA National Steering Committee for this project; and
  • ALGWA's 2009 National Conference which opens in Adelaide today to discuss how to attract and retain women in local government.

Women are under-represented in local government with fewer than 1 in 3 councillors being women at present.

A 2007 review by ALGWA showed that only 20 per cent of women working in local government are employed as professionals.  Data released by Local Government Managers Australia shows that about five per cent of council chief executive officers or general managers are women.

More needs to be done to support women in local government. 

It is also clear that practical improvements require strong partnerships between all levels of government.

The Rudd Government has commenced a new partnership with local government through the newly-established Australian Council of Local Government.

The funding and support announced today is a practical example of federal and local governments working together.

I would also like to acknowledge the leadership and strong support of the Australian local Government Association and Local Government Managers Australia in promoting the participation of women in local government.


Media Contacts

Moksha Watts ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0413 389 070


 

URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/April/AA123_2009.htm