A move towards ‘gender targets’ for councils “could be on the cards” in 2017, Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins says.
In an interview with Star Weekly, the Sydenham MP said she would consider putting the idea of a gender quota policy to councils after municipal elections in October next year.
Ms Hutchins has long campaigned for more women and a diverse mix of councillors.
“We are seeing an increase [in female councillors], there’s no doubt about that. I don’t know if we’re at the point of putting quotas in, but that’s a judgement I’ll make after the next election,” she said.
“It could be on the cards for me, as the local government minister, to ask councils if they would consider a quota policy down the track. I would rather, at this stage, focus on encouraging more women.”
Asked to clarify how the quota system might work, Ms Hutchins said it would start with a conversation with all councils.
“I am committed to seeing greater diversity across Victoria’s councils, and that means more women,” she said. “If, after the next set of council elections, that means working with councils to develop gender targets, I’m prepared to do it.”
MAV president Bill McArthur said its members had voted in May for the municipal organisation to campaign to lift female representation at next year’s council elections.
“The MAV is committed to increasing female representation in local government, to ensure elected councillors reflect the diversity of their communities,” Cr McArthur said.
“Implementing quotas for council elections would be difficult as it’s a democratic system where communities are free to vote for any candidate regardless of gender, race or religion.”
Director of corporate and community relations Helen Morrissey said the council did not have a formal position on quotas “but would be happy to participate in any discussions”.
