MEDIA RELEASE
18 January 2010
Federal Ministers to launch 2010 as Year of Women in Local Government
The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local
Government, and the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Status of Women will jointly launch 2010 as
the Year of Women in Local Government to recognise, celebrate and promote the advancement of women
into senior management and leadership roles.
The launch will take place at 9.00am on Wednesday, 20 January at the Sydney Town Hall. It is a result of
extensive collaboration between local, state and commonwealth governments, local government associations
and peak professional bodies.
“There has been no shortage of activity to promote the participation of women in executive and leadership
roles in local government,” National Steering Committee Chair for the Year of Women in Local Government,
Ray Pincombe said. “Yet, the latest reviews have revealed little improvement in the number of women in
leadership positions.
“Women still account for less than 30% of councillors, 20% of senior managers and only 5% of CEOs.
“With more and more baby boomer executives set to retire over the next decade, the participation of women in
local government will become increasingly critical. Without women, the sector simply does not have the depth
of talent to survive.”
The Year of Women in Local Government aims to raise awareness of the significant role women play in the
effectiveness of local government. By emphasising the business case for workplace diversity, the Year of
Women aims to foster systemic and cultural change that supports women and builds their capacity to thrive.
Mr Pincombe also says that the Year of Women is a platform for raising awareness of the need to increase
women’s participation into executive and elected leadership roles.
“The Year of Women will provide councils with a clear focus to build a business case for women in leadership
roles, establish voluntary targets and implement strategies to increase the participation of women in our
sector.”
The launch will also see the unveiling of a dedicated website lgwomen2010.org.au. The website, which was
designed and sponsored by on-line community engagement specialists, Bang the Table will feature an
interactive forum and blog, news, calendar of events and activities and profiles of women in local government.
Ends
For more information contact John Ravlic + 61 3 9682 9222 / 0411 744 654
Helen Diggerson on 0414 376 924
NEWS 
