Women last in employment policy

COUNCILLOR Mally McMurtrie remained unimpressed with the council's new equal employment opportunity policy at yesterday's general meeting when she discovered women were still listed in last place among the plan's target groups.

Cr McMurtrie brought up the issue at last week's committee meetings but her message clearly didn't get through.

"Obviously, I wasn't taken seriously when I said women should be at the top," she said.

"It looks like I am going to have to move a motion."

CEO Rod Ferguson said he asked council officers why women came after Aborigines and Torres Straight Islanders, migrants with English as a second language and people with disabilities.

"It's simply a reflection of the (state government) legislation and not listed in priority," he said.

Cr McMurtrie said she couldn't "very well argue with that".

"I'll have to go much higher," she said.

Mayor Ron Bellingham pointed out men didn't get a look in - causing laughter in the chamber.

Cr McMurtrie asked if he wanted to move a motion but Cr Bellingham declined.