By Esther Lauaki
Wyndham council has shelved a strategy that would have provided an action plan for gender equality.
The gender equity strategy, the first of its kind for Wyndham, was aimed at breaking down gender-based discrimination and promoting “equal opportunity”.
But in a split decision at this month’s meeting, six councillors voted down a motion to release the strategy for public comment.
Wyndham corporate affairs manager Emily Keogh said no further work on the strategy in its current form would occur. The latest version of the strategy, which council has so far spent $16,000 to develop, involved significant consultation with agencies, community members and staff.
It proposed initiatives such as International Women’s Day events, working with sports clubs to boost females in leadership roles and actively encouraging women to run for council.
Cr Tony Hooper vehemently opposed the strategy in its entirety based on “principle”.
“I cannot support poor policy wrapped up in the cloak of action on domestic violence,” he said at the meeting.
“There are actions in this strategy stating council will spend resources in promoting female and gender diverse people to run for council,” he said.
“We are kicking goals anyway … we employ more women than men – 51 per cent of managers and 62 per cent of the executive are women. Isn’t that awesome.”
Trish Crossin, who was on the committee that developed the strategy, said the lack of support showed that some councillors were “out of touch” with the community.
“I am extremely disappointed and frustrated at the response of the councillors during that meeting,” she said. “Clearly there are some who do not understand the reason, research or background to the benefits of such a strategy.
“There is clear evidence that a gender equity strategy, coupled with proactive targets and outcomes, supports women and girls to be safer and stronger in their homes, workplaces and community.”
Cr Kim McAliney said she was “shocked” that the strategy was not supported.
“We should treat everyone fairly and with respect regardless of their gender,” she said at the meeting. “I’m surprised that this council … would not support it.”
