Ministers support push for women

STATE government leaders have joined a chorus of calls for women to run in next year’s council elections.Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell and Women’s Affairs Minister Mary Wooldridge officially launched the Think Women for Local Government 2012 project at the weekend.The $200,000 project will encourage women throughout the state to nominate for October’s elections.The City of Greater Bendigo is among 14 councils that have only one female councillor.“As in all aspects of public life, women add value to local government through their skills, talents and perspectives,” Ms Wooldridge said.“Having women councillors adds to the richness of the representation and debate about important local issues.”Federal Status of Women Minister Kate Ellis called on Bendigo women to nominate during a visit to the city last week.Eaglehawk ward councillor Peter Cox has also spoken about the benefits Bendigo’s council would receive from an improved gender balance.Victoria has more women than men but women only make up 30 per cent of the state’s councillors.Ms Powell is a former councillor, shire president and commissioner.“I encourage any woman who believes they have something to contribute and want to give back to their community to consider standing for their local council,” she said.