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ALGWA slams Boroondara Council on banning of MAV delegate

The Australian Local Government Women’s Association, and in particular the Victorian Branch, is bitterly disappointed at the action of the Boroondara Council in deciding, in a closed meeting, not to appoint a delegate to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

This unprecedented action by Boroondara Council will result in Cr Coral Ross, who is the Interim MAV President and its current MAV representative, being unable to stand for President of the Board in the forthcoming elections to the State’s peak local government body.

“Cr Ross is the highest ranked female councillor in Victorian local government, being the Interim President of the MAV and on the Australian Local Government Association Board, “ said ALGWA Vic President Helen Coleman.

“It is a travesty that her local council has decided not to appoint a MAV delegate, a prerequisite to standing for election, and therefore depriving the sector of her leadership and of someone who has always been a strong voice for local government.I’m surprised regarding Boroondara’s actions from two perspectives, firstly not availing the Boroondara Council of the prospect of having a much prized “seat at the MAV’s decision making table”, and secondly what appears to be a deliberate and ludicrous decision to deny a highly respected Councillor the opportunity to represent ALL genders on the leading Local Government body. This is a ‘No Win” outcome for the “home side” – or for all other Local Governments in Victoria.”

“Without a representative Boroondara Council will be paying its membership fee and waiving its right to be part of important decision making at the Victorian Local Government peak body level,” added Ms Coleman

Cr Coral Ross, an independent, is currently serving as interim Municipal Association President until elections in March, and is highly respected in the local government sector. She represents Victoria on Australia’s national peak local government body, the Australian Local Government Association. She was elected to the MAV Board in 2011, and was the Deputy President (Metro) until elected Interim President by the Board in November.

First elected to Council in 2002, Cr Ross has served as Boroondara mayor three times and was recently re-elected to Council with over 63% of the primary vote.She was named as one of the Westpac/Fairfax 100 Women of Influence in 2014, was chosen for the Local Government Minister’s Mayoral Advisory Panel in 2015 and was the ALGWA Victorian President from 2011 to 2016.Cr Ross is currently the National President of ALGWA.She is a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors.

“Cr Ross is more than suitably qualified as a delegate and Board member and with no woman ever having been elected as President of the MAV in over 100 years, the actions of Boroondara Council have ensured that the male dominance is very likely to continue, as a most highly qualified woman Councillor is debarred” said current Victorian President Helen Coleman.

Media Enquiries:Helen Coleman 0437 940 930