Letter to the Editor: Juliet Bateman on why representation in leadership matters to young women

The decision by the City of Albany council on October 28 to again re-elect a man as deputy mayor was both disappointing and short-sighted.

In doing so, councillors overlooked an exceptionally qualified woman who has consistently demonstrated leadership, professionalism and a deep commitment to her community.

Cr Lynn McLaren brings extensive depth and experience in public service to the table — including as a senior policy advisor to government, then eight years as a State parliamentarian holding 15 different portfolios during that time.

As a local councillor she is known for being visible, approachable, empathic and responsive.

She listens to residents, follows through on concerns and works tirelessly for those she represents.

She embodies the kind of grounded, community-minded leadership Albany should value and promote.

Despite this, the majority of councillors (male) chose to maintain the status quo and re-elected the incumbent male deputy mayor (six to two).

This isn’t a criticism of the deputy mayor, who has served with professionalism and commitment.

It’s about a missed opportunity to improve gender balance and inclusive leadership.

In 2025, that is not progress — it’s regression.

This decision was not simply about an individual — it was about what our present council chooses to value and what it models to our community.

At a time when 51 per cent of Australians are women, and nearly half of Albany’s voters chose to place a woman first on their ballot, this gender imbalance on our own council is deeply concerning and is not reflective of contemporary values or community sentiment.

The decision also reflects a broader problem within the City of Albany itself.

Look to the executive team and you see the same imbalance repeated — a sea of male faces, not a single woman in sight.

All four executive directors and the CEO are male. This lack of gender diversity at every level of leadership is not only outdated, it undermines public confidence and weakens decision-making.

Inclusive leadership benefits organisations enormously as it produces better decisions, more collaboration and broader perspectives.

When young women look at our local government and see few people who look like them in positions of authority, it diminishes their sense of possibility.

Representation matters — not for tokenism, but for the message it sends about who belongs in leadership.

And one can’t help but wonder how those who voted against this dedicated and accomplished woman justified that choice when they went home.

How did they look their daughters, wives, nieces and granddaughters in the eye and explain why they denied an eminently qualified female the opportunity to lead?

What lesson does that send to our next generation — that even talent, experience and dedication are still not enough if you’re a woman?

Albany deserves better. Our community deserves leaders with the courage to look beyond old habits and recognise that representation matters.

This was a moment for progress and integrity.

With a new council sworn in, there was opportunity for a fresh start — a chance for new perspectives, open minds and genuine renewal.

Disappointingly, it seems their lack of strategic vision has resulted in a lost opportunity for positive change.

Juliet Bateman, Marbelup

Letters to the editor must contain the author’s full name, address and daytime contact number. Letters may be edited for space, clarity or legal reasons. Email greatsouthern@wanews.com.au or post to PO Box 5168 Albany, WA, 6332.