The Tamworth Branch of the Australian Labor Party has no intention of entering the debate about the leadership or internal affairs of Gunnedah Shire Council. Those matters are for the elected councillors and the Gunnedah community.
However, a public comment by newly elected Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke raises a much broader issue about how women in public life are judged.
Speaking on ABC New England North West about his predecessor, Cr Kate McGrath, Cr Hooke said:
“The deputy mayor did a great job, but she was a working mum, and couldn’t give the time that was necessary to support the mayor.”
Whatever the circumstances within Council, suggesting that a woman’s capacity to fulfil a leadership role is limited because she is a working mother is outdated and inappropriate in 2026.
Working fathers hold positions of responsibility across government, business and community organisations. Their capacity to lead is rarely questioned because they have employment and family responsibilities. Women deserve to be treated by the same standard.
We acknowledge that Cr McGrath is Senior Vice-President of the Tamworth Labor Branch. Our response, however, would be the same if such a comment were directed at any woman, regardless of her political affiliation.
On 26 September 1994, the Australian Labor Party formally adopted affirmative action for women candidates at its National Conference. That decision recognised that equal representation would not happen by simply waiting for attitudes and institutions to change.
More than 30 years later, the Australian Labor Party remains committed to supporting women to participate, lead and hold public office.
Five members of the Tamworth Branch Executive are women, including our President, Laura Hughes and Senior Vice President, Kate McGrath. They are among the many women in our community who successfully combine work, family life and public service.
This is not about taking sides in Gunnedah Shire Council matters. It is about rejecting an outdated double standard.
Women in public life should be judged on their conduct, capability and contribution, not on whether they are mothers.
Laura Hughes, President
Robyn Lang, Secretary
Tamworth Branch, Australian Labor Party
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