The 2018 South Australian council elections have seen 22 women elected to lead SA councils – a significant increase on the nine female mayors elected in 2014.
Local Government Association of South Australia President Sam Telfer said this number could further increase, with 15 councils still to appoint a mayor or chairperson from within their ranks.
“We had 454 women nominate for council this year, which is a 20% increase on 2014 and the highest on record,” Mayor Telfer said.
“The LGA and councils ran a campaign to increase the diversity of candidates in the lead up to these elections, and this message appears to have resonated with both candidates and voters.
“This diversity of representatives will help deliver greater depth to decision making, with a variety of knowledge, experience, and perspectives.
“We still have a way to go, but it’s encouraging to see more people willing to take on leadership positions, particularly women who will make up around a third of our mayors.
“I look forward to working with our newly elected councils to focus on delivering savings and best value to our communities.”
The full results of the 2018 SA council elections are available on the Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) website: https://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/elections/council-elections-home/results