Media Releases
Wednesday, 20th January 2010
The Rudd Labor Government has thrown its support behind the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government, an initiative to improve the participation of women in local government leadership and management.
Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, launched this initiative in Sydney today.
“This year, the Rudd Government will be providing nearly $500,000 for a range of practical projects to help improve the participation of women in local government,” he said.
It is critical that councils and shires, as the level of government closest to the community, reflect the communities that they seek to represent.
“Local governments make an important contribution to the nation, delivering vital infrastructure and services, such as local roads, community facilities, environmental and waste services, child care and health and welfare services.
“However, less than a third of councillors are women; 20 per cent of senior managers are women; and only seven per cent of Chief Executive Officers are women,” Mr Albanese said.
Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, said she was very proud to be serving in a Government which boasts more women in senior parliamentary positions than any other Australian Government, including the first female Deputy Prime Minister.
“There is no lack of talented women in Australia, and many get their political start in local government. The Australian Government is keen to support more women in these roles.
“Councils are big employers in local communities. Organisations that employ women and people from diverse backgrounds better represent and understand their community leading to better results.
The Rudd Government have taken a number of practical steps to help increase the engagement of women in local government,” Ms Plibersek said
The Government’s commitment includes:
Further information on 2010 Year of Women in Local Government is available at http://lgwomen2010.org.au/
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.