WA: Councillor won’t seek re-election, citing insults and ridicule

News

A Western Australian councillor has shed light on the challenges faced by young and diverse individuals in local government, and why she will not be standing for re-election.

Amy Astill, who was elected to Kalgoorlie Boulder council in 2021 at the age of 19, has published an open letter describing how she was dismissed, laughed at and insulted.

Kalgoorlie Boulder Councillor Amy Astill won’t be seeking re-election

She says she was made to feel stupid for her views, and also received unwanted attention and invitations from some members of the public.

Amy says she wants to see behaviours change so that diverse individuals can be better supported as councillors.

All positions on the Council will be spilled for the election scheduled for October this year.

Read Cr Astill’s full letter here in the Kalgoorlie Miner.