Recent events on our council highlight significant concerns about the treatment and representation of women. 

With the announcement of candidates and groups for the upcoming council elections on 14 September, it's essential to reflect on the current state of female representation. In the previous council, there were four women, but over the past four years, three have faced significant challenges, including being reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, with those reports leaked to the press in violation of protocols. 

None of the women reported to ICAC are seeking re-election, which raises serious concerns about whether the council's culture, particularly towards dissenting voices, has become so toxic that it deters capable women from continuing to serve.

As we look at the new slate of candidates, it's telling that while two groups have women as the lead candidates, one group has no female candidates at all. This disparity in representation suggests that the environment may have discouraged women from stepping forward, potentially due to the intense scrutiny and repercussions faced by those who dissent. 

This reduction in female representation risks diminishing the diversity and effectiveness of our council. Ensuring that our council remains inclusive, and representative is more critical than ever, and it requires addressing the underlying issues that have led to this troubling trend.