Councillor Lisa Bradley has called out sexism, said she has witnessed workplace bullying, and made predictions for another female Logan City Mayor at this weeks ordinary council meeting.
“It’s recently been the anniversary of 13 years since I was elected as councillor,” Cr Bradley said.
“In this time it’s encouraging to see more women being elected to local government.
“We’ve already seen our first (woman) mayor and no doubt there will be more.
“Why is there financial inequity in women’s sport? Why is there inequity in local government where there’s an imbalance of males in positions of power and influence?
“A survey of almost 100 political staffers found two in five have experienced bullying and harassment, and more than half had witnessed bullying.
“I too have witnessed the latter (bullying). Ironically that staff member still has not received a public apology.
“Research shows many people are afraid to report their experiences of unwelcomed sexual conduct out of fear that they won’t be believed, that it’s not worth it, they’ll be ostracized, and that it can damage their career.
“My message to all woman is that we can achieve our ambitions with equality. Secondly as women we must bounce back, be resilient, and denounce all forms of bullying or inequity in our society.
“Working in a safe environment is a basic human right. All of us need to bridge the gap between law and practice. We all need to step up.
“I will not be silenced.”
Councillor Teresa Lane said she felt ‘so inspired’ by Cr Bradley’s impromptu speech on sexism and workplace bullying.
Mayor Darren Power said in Logan City Council, ‘the girls had the numbers’.
