Women 'losing interest' in Qld councils ...

Excerpt from Sydney Morning Herald:

Women 'losing interest' in Qld councils

29 February 2008

The overhaul of local government in Queensland has seen a drastic drop in the number of women vying for mayoral roles.

The March 15 council elections mark the beginning of the state government's reform of local government.

Under sweeping changes passed last year, the number of Queensland councils will be cut from 156 to 72.

Candidates at this year's polls will contest fewer positions, but the ratio has remained the same as past elections, with an average of three candidates running for each spot.

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) executive director Greg Hallam said the most surprising thing to emerge from the field of candidates was the decline in women.

Women make up only 16 per cent of mayoral candidates, and 30 per cent of candidates for councillor positions.

This is about half the number seen in the last election.

Mr Hallam said the controversy over the amalgamations may have turned women off local government - or in some cases, the large council areas made it an impractical job.

"Women were happy to play a role in their own backyard where they could balance their priorities," he told AAP.

Also included in the field are 14 mayors who will stand as candidates for councillor positions, rather than lead the difficult first term of a new council when cutbacks and closures of services will be inevitable.

With more than 800 new candidates, Mr Hallam said a huge amount of experience would be replaced with fresh faces.

"Local government in Queensland has $55 billion in assets. You can't walk off the street and grasp it from day one," he said.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has advised that counting of votes will start on Sunday, March 16 in some areas.

Electoral Commissioner David Kerslake said Townsville, Toowoomba, Fraser Coast and Mackay were effected (sic).

In 28 remote council areas, elections will be held by post rather than at ballot boxes.

All Queenslanders will receive a letter advising them of voting procedures.

See - Women losing interest in local government.