General News
25 November, 2023
Poll starter’s gun fired
Jungwirth candidate call in ‘woke virus’ debate LODDON councillor Linda Jung-wirth wants people backing more action on climate change to contest next year’s elections. And the Tarnagulla Ward councillor says the shire could better support the...
Jungwirth candidate call
in ‘woke virus’ debate
LODDON councillor Linda Jung-wirth wants people backing more action on climate change to contest next year’s elections.
And the Tarnagulla Ward councillor says the shire could better support the principles of the Local Government Act “with a change in the values of councillors”.
Cr Jungwirth’s comments effectively mark the start of the race for council elections next October and come after she last week criticised the majority of councillors for failing to give women more responsibility by electing a female mayor.
She also wants the council to spend an pay an extra $14,000 in councillor allowances and elect a deputy mayor in the future.
The mayoral election was won by Cr Gavan Holt, defeating Cr Jungwirth’s nominee Cr Wendy Murphy 3-2.
Cr Holt said in his election pitch that the “woke virus” had infected the western world but should be kept out of the Loddon Shire leadership.
But in a statement to the Loddon Herald on Monday, Cr Jung-wirth said: “It’s important to me, as a councillor making decisions in accordance with the overarching governance principles as stated in the Local Government Act 2020 - that priority be given to achieving the best outcomes for the municipal community, including future generations.
“I understand the relevance of acting as a progressive and inclusive council acting on behalf of all our constituents. Race, gender, ability, religion and other divisive categorisations of groups in our community, are not the focus of council, other than to ensure we fairly represent all members of our communities,” Cr Jungwirth said.
“The future of our shire, its growth, who we are and what we represent is paramount ... please consider standing in the 2024 elections if you also support the principles of the 2020 local government act. These include ‘the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the municipal district, including mitigation and planning for climate change risks, is to be promoted.’ and ‘innovation and continuous improvement is to be pursued’. I believe we could better act on these principles with a change in the values of councillors.”
Cr Jungwirth steered away from questions on whether she believed there was misogyny on council.
“This year is the first time in the current term that a woman stood for the mayoral position,” she said.
“During the meeting I commented on the three men, four mayoral terms and two women (no terms). In other words, a man has been elected for each of the four years.
“I’ve been asked if I’m accusing the men on council of misogyny but I can’t ascribe their actions to misogyny. I don’t know their rationale so go by facts.”
Cr Jungwirth said shire succession planning could not be overlooked.
“Two fair and effective approaches to ensuring an experienced and knowledgeable council would be to share the mayoral role fairly and to appoint a deputy mayor each term.
“I’ve raised the issue of a deputy mayor each year as I strongly believe the role would assist the mayor, allow a smooth transition if the mayor were unavailable and would provide an opportunity for mentorship between more experienced and newer councillors.
“Unfortunately this team approach has not been accepted by all councillors.”
Cr Jungwirth said: “I would like to congratulate Mayor Holt. Although I’m disappointed about the missed opportunity, I will work well alongside him.”