Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government
Bronnie Taylor – Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women

Wednesday, 27 October 2021

Women interested in a spot on the ballot paper are urged to join a final online forum this Friday as we hit the halfway mark of the nominations period for this year’s local government elections.

With five days still to go to get nominations in, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor are joining with Women for Election Australia (WFEA) CEO Licia Heath to reach out to any woman considering a run for their local council.

The NSW Local Government Elections 2021 Support webinar with Q&A will be held by WFEA this Friday, October 29 at 11am via Zoom.

As well as motivational speeches, two Electoral Commission representatives will also be on hand to answer any local government election questions raised by participants.

Mrs Hancock said she was excited to have one final opportunity with speak to women looking to be a voice for their community.

“Organisations flourish with gender equality and our councils are no different, we need more females on the ballot paper to begin slamming the gender gap on councils shut,” Mrs Hancock said.

“As a former councillor, I know the challenges women on local government face but I also know nothing will change without more women taking a seat at the decision-making table.

“I hope Friday’s final online push provides the inspiration and information women need to take that leap and submit their nomination before midday on Tuesday, November 3.”

Mrs Taylor said her time in local government was one of the most rewarding times in her early political career.
“Local government is a terrific opportunity to represent the communities you love,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Women are great communicators, they really care about people and about the issues they take forward, so the more women around the table, the better the outcomes for everyone.”

Ms Heath said this final push could be just the thing many women need to feel reenergised to run.

“Covid lockdowns in NSW have resulted in two local government election delays. It’s been a difficult time to maintain campaign energy but we’re determined to help as many women candidates as we can”, Ms Heath said.

“We want to answer any queries they may have and remove any hesitations that the last few months in lockdown may have brought. It’s important that these candidates know that we are here to support them and they know that they really can make a difference – their communities need them now more than ever.”

To register for the support webinar, go here.

For more information on how to nominate for the Local Government elections, visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

MEDIA: Alison Balding | Minister Hancock | 0459 879 134
Richard Shute | Minister Taylor | 0409 394 232