The Andrews Labor Government will seek to encourage greater diversity on Victoria’s councils.

Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins, speaking at the 2015 Australian Local Government Leadership Summit today, said the Labor Government was committed to seeing Victoria become a national leader in council diversity.

Ms Hutchins said while every Victorian was encouraged to consider representing their community, young people, women, those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds were currently under represented.

With twelve months before the 2016 general elections, the Labor Government will work alongside the local government sector and Aboriginal, multicultural, youth, disability and women’s organisations to encourage nominations.

In highlighting the Labor Government’s commitment, Ms Hutchins told attendees that communities were best represented when councillors came from all walks of life.

The announcement builds on $50,000 in funding provided to the Victorian Local Governance Association’s (VLGA) GoWomenLG 2016 project, which seeks to  achieve greater gender equity and increased diversity across Victoria’s local councils.

Ms Hutchins confirmed that while the number of councillors from diverse backgrounds was slowly growing, there was still significant work needed across Victoria’s 79 councils.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

 “The Andrews Labor Government is committed to delivering councils that truly represent their communities. Key to that is ensuring councils are reflective of the communities they represent.”

“We want to see Victoria leading the way when it comes to diversity on our local councils. By ensuring a diverse mix of experiences and insights, communities and councils benefit.”