Image: Councillor Pauline Lockie. Image via Cr Lockie's FB page.
Sydney Inner West Councillor Pauline Lockie has announced her retirement after serving the Inner West Council for seven years.
The Independent Councillor for the Damun/Stanmore ward has been a long-time advocate for her community, serving as a spokesperson for the WestConnex Action Group and defender of LGBQTIQ+ rights, climate change, and sustainability.
Cr Lockie’s advocacy expanded to include issues such as public transport, sustainable cities, and planning and development.
Her decision to step down from public office is attributed to family commitments and concerns over the low pay and challenging conditions faced by council members. Cr Lockie shared a public statement on Facebook on Tuesday to announce the news.
Councillor Pauline Lockie steps down from Inner West Council
She shared a photo of her family from 10 years ago when they were informed that their St Peters home would be compulsorily acquired for WestConnex.
The impact of WestConnex led her to run for and win a seat on the Inner West Council in 2017, and then again in 2021.
“I’ll always be profoundly grateful for the support I’ve received from our community, both with the WestConnex Action Group and Council. Knowing you have placed your trust in me to represent and fight for you has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.”
“So it’s with sadness I let you know I won’t be seeking re-election at the Council elections in September”, Cr Lockie said.
As an Independent Councillor, Cr Lockie has led the Council’s opposition to the ‘religious freedom’ laws that threatened the rights of the LGBTQI communities and worked for improved public and active transport for the local community.
Additionally, Cr Lockie collaborated with local businesses and creative sectors to safeguard main streets and industrial/creative spaces, as well as to support recovery efforts from Covid-19. In partnership with local organisations, she has launched the #RacismNotWelcome campaign, introduced the Council’s first Gender Equity Strategy, and implemented a ban on the sale of animal fur on Council property.
Councillor Pauline Lockie Points Out Challenging Working Conditions
Cr Lockie pointed to the low pay and challenging working conditions for councillors as key factors in her decision to retire. “There have been so many parts of being a Councillor I’ve loved. But it’s a hugely demanding job that pays little – less than $34,000 a year at IWC – so it’s one you have to juggle with other work.”
“Add family commitments and it becomes a job that’s very hard to sustain. That little girl in the photo will soon start on her HSC, and I need to be there for her in a way that won’t be possible unless I step down”
“I’ve said this before – until pay and conditions for Councillors change, local government will fail to attract and keep diverse candidates, particularly those outside political parties. And that’s a shame”, Cr Lockie wrote.
Councillors Honour Cr Pauline Lockie’s Contributions
Her fellow Councillors took to the comments to express gratitude for Cr Lockie’s contributions. Labor Councillor for Marrickville-Midjuburi Mat Howard commended Cr Lockie for her time. “Thanks for all your hard work, diligence and care for your community, Pauline. It has been a pleasure working with you and you’ve done such important work”, Cr Howard commented.
Member for Balmain Kobi Shetty wrote, “Very sad to see you go, Pauline. You’ve been a wonderful councillor and advocate for our community. It has been a real pleasure working with you these past few years. It’s a real juggle with a family and I’m sure they’re really proud of everything you’ve achieved”.
Councillor for Inner West Council Djarrawunang (Ashfield) Ward Dylan Griffiths called Cr Lockie’s departure a “loss for the community”.
“It’s been great working with you – on food security/ cost of living, public space and infrastructure revitalisations, solidarity with Palestine, and more. Your considered approach has been appreciated and balanced views on topics such as planning, housing, and de-amalgamation”, Cr Griffiths commented.
The next election for the City of Sydney Council will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
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