Gender diversity

I HAVE been following the gender diversity and inclusion topic in the Mt Barker Council over the last few years.

It’s clear that there is a real lack of leadership from the council on this issue.

Minutes from the council meeting on August 1 reflect council’s current stance on transparency around this issue.

Councillor Grosser asked six questions seeking information on what the council is doing to address this gender and diversity gap. The Mayor responded by stating that the request was “improper and a reply to the questions will not be provided”.  

Quite frankly I’m flabbergasted at this response.

Especially given that the Mt Barker Council is one of the worst performing on diversity in the region and that diversity and inclusion is being embraced by workplaces across the country.

The glass ceiling exists, well and truly.

The elected members are responsible for implementing council’s strategic plan, which includes addressing diversity/ inclusion in middle and upper management positions.

The argument that all management positions are appointed on merit is simply not true.

The results are evident – a merit based council would be advocating on this issue, not blocking it.

Can the council please start treating this issue with the respect it deserves?

Fiona Pemberton, Nairne