The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has launched a new resource to encourage more women into politics.

The new book, Women in Politics, was launched by ALGA president Geoff Lake at the national general assembly in Canberra.

It forms part of ALGA's contribution to the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government campaign and includes excerpts from the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, and Federal Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek.

The book provides an historical overview of women’s participation in government and politics and includes profiles a number of Australian leaders, from federal and state ministers to local government councillors.

Cr Lake said he was disappointed that despite small improvements only 27 per cent of local government councillors were women.

“Local government should be leading other levels of government in this area, not trailing them,” he said.

“It is essential that Australians strive to achieve greater participation by women in political life and at all levels of government, however, it is particularly important at the local level where councils must reflect the communities they serve.”