News

The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (Victorian Branch) (ALGWA Vic) congratulates Cr Marg Attley on her election as the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) President and Cr Mary Lalios on her election as President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)

“It’s great to see that for the first time both the MAV and VLGA have female presidents” said Helen Coleman, President of ALGWA Vic.

ALGWA Vic welcomed the news of 13 women who nominated as candidates in the 2017 Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) elections for the positions of President and Board members. ALGWA Vic would like to congratulate the successful women Board candidates, Cr Jamie Klisaris, and returning unopposed, Cr Ruth Gstrein, and all elected Board members. The results show that only 3 out of the 13 positions are held by women.

ALGWA Vic would also like to acknowledge the results of the Victorian Local Governance Association election and congratulate the successful women Board candidates, Cr Michelle Kleinert as Vice President, Cr Sharon Ellis, Cr Susanne Newton, Chelsea Ayling & Rae Kingsbury and all elected Board members, with the majority of board positions, 6 out of the 9, being held by women.

“The election results saw a majority of women on the VLGA Board, however, it is disappointing that the MAV board elections has resulted in only 3 women being elected from 13 positions” said Helen Coleman President of ALGWA Vic. “When we see the Victorian State government taking groundbreaking initiatives to have gender equality on their government boards which is now at 49%, it is back to the dark old cobweb days of less women on the MAV Board.” Helen Coleman said.

This year saw ALGWA Vic supporting one of our members, Cr Coral Ross, the immediate past Interim President of the MAV and a Boroondara City Councillor having the opportunity to nominate for President in the MAV election.

Boroondara City Councillors took the unprecedented and unusual step of not appointing a council delegate to the MAV this year, depriving themselves of a vote, despite being members of the MAV until June and their decision being against the MAV membership rules.

“The ALGWA Vic membership were right behind us in our support of Cr Ross and I know would join me in our extreme disappointment that she was not able to nominate for the role of President” said Helen Coleman President of ALGWA Vic.

“We would like to thank Cr Coral Ross for her extraordinary dedication and commitment to the Local Government Sector throughout her 6 years in many roles on the MAV Board. We wish Cr Ross the very best in her further pursuits in this term of Council.

ALGWA Vic would also like to thank the Darebin City Council, Mayor Kim Le Cerf, all Councillors and CEO Phil Shanahan in taking the initiative to appoint Cr Ross as their MAV delegate. Although the move was ultimately disallowed by the Supreme Court, the case highlighted the ambiguity of the existing MAV Rules” said President Helen Coleman.

We encourage all women who are interested, elected or working in Local Government, to consider joining ALGWA Vic, to enjoy the support, encouragement and benefits other women have experienced since our inception 53 years ago.

ALGWA Vic does not endorse any one candidate.

For further information please contact Helen Coleman on 0437 940 930