School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Theses

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Subject: women × Author: Cumberland, Rhonda Lea ×

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    Women candidates: the 1996 Victorian local government elections
    Cumberland, Rhonda Lea ( 1996)
    Recent reforms to local government in Victoria, Australia may have a range of consequences either unintended or unseen. This research focuses on the critical relationship between women and this new local government. The theoretical significance of women’s representation in local government concerns the extent to which women have equal representation in public decision making about local economies and social and community affairs. Previous research identifies women’s access to direct representation in government as being complicated by a number of factors although researchers agree that the best chances of electoral success for women lie with their tier said to be closest to the people: local government. This study is unique in the Australian examination of these issues in that, through replicating an extensive North American study, it explores the nature of candidacy rather than the characteristics of those successful at the polls. Using a survey of all women candidates for the Victorian local government elections, this study achieved a very high response rate. The resultant findings confirm those of the North American study, establishing a direct relationship between the number of women who stand and the number of women elected, confirming the electoral appeal of women. Of particular relevance is the question of incumbency or for the purpose of this study, prior successful candidacy. Women were found to have a much greater chance of success if they had prior standing as a local councillor. This study also suggests that rather than the particular qualities of the candidate, resources such as campaign budget and volunteers are influential on the outcome at polling day. The study concludes that the most effective strategy for achievement of equal representation for women in local government by the turn of the century, more effective than any political party attempts to date, will be the strategy that secures candidacy for 2000 women by the year 2000.