The New South Wales and Victorian governments want more women to stand for their communities at the next local government elections.

The NSW government has launched a campaign to increase the number of female councillors. Local government minister Shelley Hancock says women currently represent just 31 per cent of all state councillors.

“While we have made steps towards equality in other parts of society, the gender gap in local government is real and we can do better,” she said.

The campaign includes videos featuring former and current government leaders, including former Sydney mayor Lucy Turnbull, current mayor Clover Moore, Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain, Sydney councillor Linda Scott, Shellharbour mayor Marianne Saliba, and Moree mayor Katrina Humphries, speaking about their experiences in local government.

The NSW government has also partnered with Women for Election Australia to run face-to-face workshops and online webinars to prepare aspiring candidates to stand for the 2021 elections.

In Victoria, more women are being encouraged to stand for local government with the state government-funded campaign, It’s Our Time.

Women currently make up 38 per cent of Victorian councillors, but the government has a target of 50 per cent representation by 2025.