The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is calling for State Government funding to better protect women councillors after a survey found more than half would not contest the next election after being subjected to bullying and harrassment in their time as a councillor.
The Association has partnered with LaTrobe University and the University of Melbourne as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project, ‘Women in Local Government: Understanding their Political Trajectories.’
The latest research paper to be released as part of this project was prepared by Professor Andrea Carson (LaTrobe University), Dr Gosia Mikolajczak (The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at the Australian National University), Professor Leah Ruppanner (University of Melbourne) and Emily Foley (LaTrobe University).
From online trolls to ‘Slut Shaming’: understanding the role of incivility and gender abuse in local government surveyed more than 200 councillors from all of Victoria’s 79 local councils, finding 56% of women councillors who are unwilling to recontest the next election had been subjected bullying and harassment during their time on council. The survey also found 27% of men had suffered the same treatment.
“The results of this research are disheartening; however, they highlight the important role the VLGA has in providing resources and delivering programs that encourage and equip councillors to uphold the highest standards of civility and respect in how they carry out their duties and interact with each other and community members,’ says VLGA CEO, Kathryn Arndt.
“The results also highlight the need for more robust and effective remedies when discourse breaks down.”
Ms Arndt said local councillors were community leaders who play an essential role in delivering services and infrastructure to Victoria’s diverse local communities.
In working to achieve gender parity in local governments, the VLGA is calling on the State Government to fund programs and implement remedies to combat the incivilities experienced by women councillors, as reported in the research undertaken, she said.
“This research provides valuable insights into the experiences of women in local government across Victoria. It highlights the importance of implementing adequate support mechanisms and systemic remedies (such as those tabled by the VLGA and others in response to the ‘Local Government Culture Project’) to ensure a safe working environment for all councillors,” Ms Arndt said.
“The VLGA is committed to encouraging women from a diverse range of backgrounds to stand for a spot on their local council and using the findings of this report to assist their retention once elected.
“State government investment must continue for recognised programs which support women councillors specifically, such as the VLGA’s Local Women Leading Change program, as well as broader professional development programs which educate, support and equip all councillors with the tools they need to do their job safely.”
Further findings from the latest councillor survey conducted as part of this research project are due to be released in coming weeks.
