Eleven eminent Australian women, including the head of the Business Council of Australia Jennifer Westacott and the president of the ACTU Michele O'Neil, have been announced as joining the Albanese government's inaugural Women's Economic Equality Taskforce.
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They join the president of Chief Executive Women and already announced chair of the taskforce Sam Mostyn.
The taskforce is tasked with providing independent advice on a range of economic issues facing women in Australia and will help to drive the development of the key Albanese government's election commitment of a National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality.
Childcare subsidies and parental leave schemes are expected to feature prominently. On Wednesday, the Albanese government announced a $10.8 million 12 month probe into the rising cost of childcare.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher - who joined the first meeting of the taskforce - said the taskforce members had diverse and experienced backgrounds and they would play an important advisory role to the government including through the National Gender Equality Strategy and the Employment White Paper.
"The taskforce brings together women from around Australia, who will contribute a range of expertise and lived experiences," Senator Gallagher said in a statement.
"The collective experience and advice of these outstanding women will be crucial as the Albanese government works to re-elevate Australia's status as a leader on gender equality."
Other members of the taskforce of twelve include the executive director of the National Council of Single Mothers and their Children Terese Edwards, the chief of Tasmania's Council of Social Service Adrienne Picone, the president at National Council of Women of Australia Chiou See Anderson and Danielle Wood, the chief of Grattan Institute.
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Other taskforce members are:
- Jenny Macklin, former Labor Minister and Vice-Chancellor's fellow at the University of Melbourne's school of government
- Professor Rae Cooper, the director of the Gender Equality in Working Life Research Initiative at the University of Sydney
- President of People with Disability Australia Samantha Connor
- Director of Minderoo Foundation's Generation One Shelley Cable
- Co-ordinator of the Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group Shirleen Campbell
- Sizol Fuyana, the founder of Fuyana Support
The Minister said the Albanese government will continue to work with the business, community and advocacy sectors on gender equality issues, including the six National Women's Alliances.
"The taskforce will be an important contributor, alongside other consultation and engagement pathways, in driving progress on gender equality and keeping women at the centre of government policy and decision making," Senator Gallagher said.
Karen Barlow
Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. She has an interest in integrity, leadership and social equity. She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Contact her on karen.barlow@canberratimes.com.au
Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. She has an interest in integrity, leadership and social equity. She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Contact her on karen.barlow@canberratimes.com.au
