Councillors wanted: any age, any gender
Women urged to run, but ‘pale, male, stale’ term has no place, says Debra Thurley
IF I told you that there is a job coming up in October where there is no wage disparity between men and women, that you are relevant because you are a citizen of your community, as a woman would you be interested?
Local government elections are in October and as president of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) Tasmania I am encouraging community-minded women who have a penchant for decision making, acquired work and life skills, love and interest in their community and a desire for engagement with ratepayers to consider running as a candidate in their respective local government electorate.
ALGWA Tas has just completed a series of information sessions around the state, the most recent in Devonport conducted by Mayor Annette Rockliff, a hardworking dedicated councillor.
For a number of years ALGWA Tas “Women Can” campaigns have been run ahead elections with the aim of achieving balance and diversity in representation around council tables.
The article “Pushing for a new voice at the table” pleasingly highlighted some new candidates, but I was very disappointed with the subheading, “Young candidates ready to challenge ‘pale, male and stale’ councils at local elections” ( Sunday Tasmanian, July 15).
The Women Can program is about attracting more female representation for sure, but it is not an anti-men program.
The “pale, male and stale” comment was from former Hobart lord mayor Sue Hickey.
I personally find this language an example of sexism in reverse, not appropriate and not helpful to the cause of gender equity.
There have been many long- serving women councillors — would we allude to their longevity in this disparaging manner?
Ms Hickey’s comments, suggesting local government terms for representation be restricted to prevent the socalled pale, male, stale phenomenon is one that I feel needs challenging.
Long-serving women along with men put in so many hours of dedication to their communities and their representation brings a wealth of experience and intellectual property to the table.
Their selection should be a matter for the electorate to determine just as it is for other levels of government.
The longest-standing Brighton mayor Tony Foster has been one of the most successful and progressive mayors — his relevance and abilities should never be questioned. His dedication to the people of Brighton is admirable.
Local government, while not highly remunerated is an admirable forum for those whose love of their communities and willingness to work for its ratepayers drives them to want to serve.
Many new candidates will present their own ideology in their pitch to potential voters although importantly they need to have an understanding of the role of local government, the relevant legislation that determines scope and limitations and an awareness that if elected you will be one of several voices, part of a team.
To provide effective representation, they will need to have the skills to work cooperatively and collegiality, always being prepared to listen and respect those who differ to them by way of opinion, attitude, age, gender, race, religion and length of service.
As president of ALGWA I welcome balance, respect and gender equity.