As the peak body Association representing local government professionals in WA, we strongly advocate that the sector and community benefit when local government has a diverse and inclusive workforce, and this includes having a gender balanced workforce across all levels in local government.
Commitment to gender equity and diversity
As part of our commitment to gender equity and diversity we recently reviewed and updated our
Gender Balance Framework . The review took into account feedback received through our sector gender balance survey conducted earlier this year. We thank everyone who participated in the survey and provided insights.
Reflective of the communities we serve
The revised
Gender Balance Framework aligns with
LG Professionals Australia's (National Office) 40:40:20 plan. The framework will guide the Board's discussion on priority initiatives to allow the local government sector to be truly reflective of the diverse communities we serve.
Promoting gender balance and raising awareness
The framework sets out objectives and actions that LG Professionals WA seeks to undertake to promote gender balance both internally within the Association and in senior management roles within the WA Local Government sector.
As the peak body supporting and advocating for local government officers in WA, LG Professionals WA is in a prime position to raise awareness within the sector about the benefits of gender balance and help influence practices within the sector that would assist in achieving better gender balance particularly in senior management positions.
Acknowledging hard work undertaken and a shift in thinking
It should be acknowledged that over the past five years, the sector has been making a conscious effort to enhance diversity within our workforce. More female CEOs and senior executives have been appointed in local government, indicating a shift in thinkin and the recognition of the need for better gender balance. Nevertheless, LG Professionals WA considers it to be our role to continue advocating for this important cause to build on the current momentum as true gender balance in the sector has yet to be achieved.
Your feedback is instrumental
Feedback and insights are instrumental to allow the Association to continue to advocate on this important issue. The LG Professionals WA Gender Balance Committee are meeting 4 times per year to progress this work and welcome any feedback, comments or insights, these can be provided by contacting the LG Professionals WA office.