Parenthood and political balance

Key points

• A resident has criticised Byron Shire Council for questioning Councillor Jack Dods' ability to serve as deputy mayor due to his new parental responsibilities.
• The writer, Pam Brook, argues the decision undermines new parents and reduces political diversity in council leadership.
• Brook highlights that the council now has Greens councillors in both mayoral and deputy mayoral positions, removing the previous balance of an independent deputy mayor alongside a Greens mayor.