Local Government NSW calls for action against abuse of women in office

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is calling for urgent action to protect women in public office following research from Women for Election. The survey revealed that 89 per cent of Australian women in public office or standing for election have experienced online abuse related to their roles.

Three quarters of respondents reported that this abuse has worsened over the last two years, and half indicated they had considered leaving public life due to its severity. LGNSW director Romola Hollywood described the findings as a systemic threat to democracy, noting that gendered intimidation discourages skilled women from seeking council, mayoral, or executive positions.