Community invited to learn about Elections 2021
Published: 18 Feb 2021 3:03pm
People keen to represent their community can learn more about local government in the lead-up to the 2021 elections at three information seminars later this year.
Wagga Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson said community members interested in standing at the 4 September Council elections should take advantage of the seminars.
The seminars aim to help potential candidates better understand the role and responsibilities of an elected member of Council.
“Being better informed and having that insight will help attract people from more diverse backgrounds to stand for election to local government,” Mr Thompson said.
“We’re making the effort to improve representation so the demographic make-up of Council reflects the make-up of the communities that they represent.”
A workshop on 10 April is aimed at women candidates and is a step towards achieving Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) objectives of reaching a gender balanced Council that represents community diversity.
“Council recognises that gender equality is essential in a diverse and inclusive community,” Mr Thompson said.
“This means promoting a gender-balanced representation on Council and achieving equal opportunities for women and men in all aspects of public life.
“Gender-balanced councils reflect diversity in a community and it also challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes in a decision-making environment.”
The workshop will be presented by a number of current women councillors including, NSW ALGWA President Cr Cass Coleman.
The second seminar on 21 April will be run by Local Government NSW, which will give a detailed brief to potential candidates.
The final seminar on 4 May will feature guest author Ruth McGowan OAM.
Ms McGowan wrote “Get Elected” – the first national campaign guide on running for office at either a local, state or federal level.
The three seminars and workshops will be held at the Civic Centre in Wagga Wagga on the following days:
- Saturday, 10 April 2021, 9.30am-2.30pm: ALGWA “Women in Council” Workshop.
- Wednesday, 21 April 2021, 5.30pm-8.30pm: Local Government NSW (LGNSW) - Candidate Briefing Seminar
- Tuesday, 4 May 2021, 5.30pm-8.30pm: “Get Elected” Workshop with Ruth McGowan OAM
Registration is essential for the workshops. To ensure your place, contact Wagga City Council via email at election2021@wagga.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 292 442.
More information can be accessed on Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/elections
Popularly elected Mayor - Referendum
A Constitutional Referendum will be held in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area on Election Day 2021 when voters will be asked if they want to change the way that the Mayor is elected.
The Mayor is currently elected by the Councillors every two years.
The alternative is to have a popularly elected Mayor which means the people will directly vote for their choice of Mayor for a four-year term.
A Constitutional Referendum requires a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to a question.
The majority decision on the question is binding on Council and will apply from the next general election of the Council scheduled for September 2024.
The question being put to voters at this year’s election will be:
"The Mayor of Wagga Wagga is currently elected every two (2) years by the nine (9) Councillors. Do you approve of the direct election of the Mayor by the voters of Wagga Wagga, for a four (4) year term, noting this will result in increased election costs each and every election?"