CEO Statement on reports of 'book bans'

Published on 23 May 2018

In response to metropolitan media reports this week suggesting some Victorian Councils are considering banning books, toys or words based on gender issues, I would like to confirm Mildura Rural City Council’s position.

There will be no book or toy bans based on gender equality. Children in our municipality will continue to read childhood classics like Thomas the Tank Engine at their local library, kinder and childcare centre.

Banning books or toys is not the solution to achieving gender equality. Instead, we should look at expanding the training available to staff, educators and carers; as well as the material available to our families and children to break down gender stereotypes.

Education and care settings are the keys to improving gender equality, as are preventative strategies, which I’m proud to say is something Council is very strong on, as evidenced by our commitment to White Ribbon and the push to end men’s violence against women.

We've also introduced the new Gender Equality portfolio into our Councillor portfolio system to ensure this issue is given the attention it deserves.

This proven approach is recognised by the World Health Organisation, the Royal Commission into Family Violence, and the Australian and Victorian Governments.

Gerard José

CEO

Mildura Rural City Council