The Local Government Association of the NT (LGANT) has launched a campaign urging ‘every day’ Territorians to think about nominating in the upcoming local government elections in a move to encourage more diversity among local councils.
The Association says the campaign “busts myths” around who can nominate and highlights why being a local councillor is not only rewarding but more achievable than many people may think.
“It’s not about having the right degree, experience in government or even being a long-term resident – if you care about where you live and the people that live there, you could consider becoming a local council member,” said LGANT CEO, Mary Watson.
“Good councils need all kinds of people and we know that better decisions for communities start with people who live there and want to make a difference.”
With Territory residents’ median age of 33 years*, younger candidates are also being asked to step forward.
In the 2012 local council elections, just 17 of the 303 candidates were under 35 years of age^.
Retiring Alice Springs Mayor, Matt Paterson (pictured) – who was just 26 when he first joined the Council – features in one of the campaign’s three video advertisements.
“I was passionate about Alice Springs and thought the council needed more young people so I put my hand up,” he says.
“Anyone’s qualified. If you’re passionate about the community you represent, put your hand up.”
LGANT says the Territory falls behind other states when it comes to female representation in local government.
“In the NT, 33% of local councillors are women and the national average is 38%# so it would be great to lift that number in the August elections,” said Ms Watson.
Nominations for local council opened on Friday 11 July and will close on 31 July.
To find out more, visit lgant.asn.au/elections.
