Victorian Local Government Minister, Shaun Leane MP, recently announced the formation of a new Gender Equality Advisory Committee (GEAC).
The GEAC will draw on the experience of women from across the sector to ensure local government can harness the benefits of equality for all Victorians. The new committee has been formed in an effort to drive gender equality across Victoria’s 79 councils.
The committee will advise the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Women, the Hon. Gabrielle Williams, on how to deliver the Government’s target of 50% female mayors and councillors by 2025. The implementation of equality measures in the Local Government Act 2020 and Australian-first Gender Equality Act will also be a priority, addressing the challenges identified by women elected as councillors and as council employees.
This work follows the 2020 local government elections, where 272 women were elected to council – representing 43.8% of councillors.
The committee will also include representatives from the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, the Australian Services Union, the Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association, Local Government Professionals and Reconciliation Victoria.
MPs Juliana Addison and Kat Theophanous will co-chair the new committee, with 10 places open for mayors, councillors, chief executives or senior council officers. Expressions of Interest are now open and Mayors and CEO’s will soon receive a letter asking them to think about this opportunity for themselves or someone they know.
If you would like further information you can email the GEAC secretariat via email LGV-GEAC-Secretariat@ecodev.vic.gov.au. Eveline Kane, Program Manager Strategy and Implementation is also available for contact via email Eveline.kane@ecodev.vic.gov.au
