Women and people from First Nation and non-English speaking backgrounds are being encouraged to stand for their local council, as the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) strives to increase diversity in the upcoming elections.
LGA SA Chief Executive Officer, Clinton Jury (pictured) says councillors are the voice of their community and can shape positive outcomes for residents and businesses.
“Councillors come from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and have one thing in common – they want to make a difference for the good of their community,” Mr Jury said.
“Elected members have the opportunity to influence so much, from parks to paths, planning and playgrounds, to attracting investment and economic development.”
Mr Jury said candidates should reflect society and come from a range of backgrounds, cultures and professions.
“No special qualifications are required, other than being eligible to vote in the elections, but qualities like working with a team, leadership skills and being able to listen are important,” he said.
“If you’re over 18, an Australian citizen and eligible to vote in the elections you have the potential to stand for election – that includes residents, local business owners and property owners.
“The greater the diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that our councillors have, the richer council discussions and decision-making becomes, and the better the outcomes for communities.
“We particularly encourage women to become local advocates and build on the strong foundations laid in 2018 where 35% of councillors were women, up from 29%, and the number of female Mayors more than doubled to 22.”
Mr Jury said all elected councillors would receive training, inductions, and workshops to build their skills and understanding of council.
“Serving your community in public life is an extremely rewarding and provides the chance to learn about a range of topics and further develop as a leader,” he said.
“Run as a local councillor in the 2022 elections and stand up for the things that matter most to your community.”
Nominations to stand as a candidate open on 23 August and close at midday 6 September. Voting packs will be distributed by mail from 14 to 20 October, with voting closing Thursday 10 November.To find out more visit www.councilelections.sa.gov.au.
