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CWP Newsleer - March 2016I Page 1 Welcome to the fiſth edion of the CWP Newsleer marking Internaonal Women’s Day. This newsleer focuses on stascs, change in the CWP Steering Commiee, media coverage, and upcoming events. CWP Australian Region Steering Commiee Newsleer March 2016 Issue 5/16 Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Chair and Australian Region CWP Representave Hon Catherine Cusack MLC Australian Capital Territory Ms Nicole Lawder MLA Victoria Ms Gayle Tierney MLC New South Wales Ms Jenny Aitchison MP Northern Territory Hon Kezia Purick MLA Queensland Ms Briany Lauga MP South Australia Ms Katrine Hildyard MP Tasmania Hon Michelle O’Byrne MP Western Australia Ms Lisa Baker MLA www.cwpaustralia.com Increase in Women’s Representaon across Australian Parliaments Chair’s welcome As Chair of the CWP Australian Region Steering Commiee, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members a happy Internaonal Women’s Day. The CWP is commied to the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan 2014-2015; most importantly, encouraging legislatures to ensure that women occupy no less than 30 percent of decision making posions. I am pleased to report the representaon of women across Australia has increased over the past twelve months. Most notably, the Queensland and New South Wales general elecons have contributed to this surge; six of the nine states and territories now have an average representaon of women over 30 percent. Although there is sll more challenges and work ahead, these figures outlined below is posive news to be acknowledged on Internaonal Women’s Day. Lastly, I thank our outgoing ACT Representave Mary Porter for her valuable service and work and welcome new members Nicole Lawder who has become ACT Representave and Briany Lauga who is now our Representave in Queensland. Naonal Overview December ‘14 - December ‘15 The CWP conducts ongoing research into current figures of women in polics, with branch representaves providing current figures to the CWP Sectretariat. For a detailed analysis on the representaon of women in each state legislature, visit www.cwpaustralia.com
Transcript of Newsletter - WordPress.com...2014/03/10 · Sydney Morning Herald Article 29th October 2015 This...
CWP Newsletter - March 2016I Page 1
Welcome to the fifth edition of the CWP Newsletter marking International Women’s Day.
This newsletter focuses on statistics, change in the CWP Steering Committee, media coverage, and upcoming events.
CWP Australian RegionSteering Committee
NewsletterMarch 2016 Issue 5/16
CommonwealthWomenParl iamentarians
Chair and Australian Region CWP RepresentativeHon Catherine Cusack MLC
Australian Capital Territory
Ms Nicole Lawder MLA
Victoria
Ms Gayle Tierney MLC
New South Wales
Ms Jenny Aitchison MP
Northern Territory
Hon Kezia Purick MLA
Queensland
Ms Brittany Lauga MP
South Australia
Ms Katrine Hildyard MP
Tasmania
Hon Michelle O’Byrne MP
Western Australia
Ms Lisa Baker MLA
www.cwpaustralia.com
Increase in Women’s Representation
across Australian ParliamentsChair’s welcome
As Chair of the CWP Australian Region Steering Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members a happy International Women’s Day. The CWP is committed to the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan 2014-2015; most importantly, encouraging legislatures to ensure that women occupy no less than 30 percent of decision making positions.
I am pleased to report the representation of women across Australia has increased over the past twelve months. Most notably, the Queensland and New South Wales general elections have contributed to this surge; six of the nine states and territories now have an average representation of women over 30 percent.
Although there is still more challenges and work ahead, these figures outlined below is positive news to be acknowledged on International Women’s Day. Lastly, I thank our outgoing ACT Representative Mary Porter for her valuable service and work and welcome new members Nicole Lawder who has become ACT Representative and Brittany Lauga who is now our Representative in Queensland.
National Overview December ‘14 - December ‘15
The CWP conducts ongoing research into current figures of women in politics, with branch representatives providing current figures to the CWP Sectretariat. For a detailed analysis on the representation of women in each state legislature, visit www.cwpaustralia.com
CWP Newsletter - March 2016I Page 2
A Farewell Note from the Deputy Chair of CWP Australia, Mary Porter AM MLA
Summary by Chamber (as of December 2015)
CWP Statistics
These percentages represent the average number of women Members in both Houses, except in the case of ACT, NT, and QLD, where the parliament is unicameral. In 2015, Tasmania had a recount, Victoria had a by election, and NSW and QLD both went to a general election. The results are outlined in the table below:
Breakdown of State Legislatures (December ‘14 - December ‘15)
It is with much sadness and regret that I say farewell to the steering committee and to my life as a parliamentarian. Many of you would know of my decision not to stand next at the ACT election on medical advice. This of course means I can no longer act as the ACT representative on the committee.
I have very much enjoyed my time as the ACT representative and my brief time as Deputy Chair. I believe that the CWP has a very important and relevant role in supporting women parliamentarians and encourage them to get involved, in Australia and in the Pacific.
CWP Newsletter - March 2016I Page 3
Nicole Lawder MP - ACT Branch Representative
The CWP Steering Committee extends a walm welcome to Nicole Lawder MP, Member for Brindabella, who has taken over Mary Porter’s position as ACT CWP Branch Representative. Nicole was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in June 2013 and is the Shadow Minister for Environment, Family and Community Services, and Housing.
Nicole is also a Member of the Public Accounts Committee and the Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services Standing Committee.
Nicole is particularly interested in advocating on the behalf of disabled people, the aged, migrants, and people on low incomes. Her compassion has led her to serve as a Member of the National People with Disability and Carer Council, The National Shelter Council, Aussie Deaf Kids Board, and the Tuggeranong Football Club.
Nicole has given her time with the Red Cross as a Telecross volunteer and is currently a member of the Community Fire Unit Fadden and the Ronald McDonald House Canberra. The Steering Committee looks forward to working with Nicole and hearing her thoughts on the future focus of the CWP. Nicole can be contacted on (02) 6205 0323 or at [email protected]
Brittany Lauga MP - Queensland Branch Representative
The CWP Steering Committee extends a walm welcome to Brittany Lauga MP, Member for Keppel, who has replaced Verity Barton as Queensland CWP Branch Representative. Brittany was elected to the Legilsative Assembly of Queensland in January 2015. She is currently a Member of the Infrastructure, Planning, and Natural Resources Committee. Prior to entering politics, Brittany was a senior town planner and won the
Queensland Young Planner of the Year in 2013 and was runner up in 2014. Brittany is active in her community, working with organisations who make a real difference to locals. Brittany is a committee member of Capricorn LaunchPad, the Capricorn Enterprise Economic Development Management Committee and is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia, Capricorn Coast Business and Tourism, Busi Women Inc., Regional Women’s Network Inc., Capricorn Conservation Council and Emu Park Community Bush Care. The Steering Committee looks forward to working with Brittany and hearing her thoughts on the future focus of the CWP. Brittany can be contacted on (07) 4939 5732 or at [email protected]
Welcome to new Steering Committee Members
CWP Newsletter - March 2016I Page 3
UPDATE
Updates from the Commonwealth Women ParliamentariansSydney Morning Herald Article 29th October 2015
This event not only received coverage in The Sydney Morning Herald, but The Daily Telegraph and ABC News both picked up on the activity.
In response to Jenny Aitchison’s efforts, women will now have access to the male changerooms from Wednesday 17th February. Jenny’s efforts have highlighted the need for improved facilities for women in NSW Parliament House and this acheivement is a victory for all women MPs across Australia. A follow up article written by Kirsty Needham in The Sun Herald can be accessed here: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/ladies-loo-win-as-nsw-parliament-returns-20160212-gmsyft
Ref:
All rise inHouse for loo coupEmma Partridge
It was the loo coup that had to happen.Female MPs and staff armed themselves
with hair dryers and straighteners toprotest the lack of toilet and shower facili-ties for women at the NSW Parliament onWednesday.Men have access to about three showers
on each level of Parliament House, com-pared with one for women, causing lengthyqueues in the morning.In the gym, men have access to a ‘‘pala-
tial’’ bathroom equipped with waist to ceil-ing mirrors, while the ladies have a small,dingy bathroom with one basin next door.Today there are 38 female MPs – there
were eight when the tower block buildingwas first constructed in 1976.Minister forWomen Pru Goward was one
of the many MPs clenching a hair straight-ener to campaign for extra bathroom space.‘‘It’s time it was fixed,’’ Ms Goward said.Speaker Shelley Hancock said the dispar-
ity between the men’s and women’s bath-rooms was ‘‘absolutely shameful. The ladiescertainly have a case to raise’’.‘‘I accept that this was built at a time
when therewerewaymoremen thanwomenbut times have absolutely moved on.She suggested the men’s and women’s
bathrooms in the gym be swapped so thatwomen had more room to get ready forwork.Legislative Council president Don Har-
win said he strongly sympathised with MPsand staff who staged the loo coup but said itwould cost up to $500,000 to build extrabathroom facilities for women in the build-ing’s gym.
Straightened times: Minister for Women Pru Goward (centre) joins women protesting forbetter facilities at Parliament. Photo: Emma Partridge
Ref: 488374648
Brief: #NSWPAROTH
Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au)
Sydney Morning HeraldThursday 29/10/2015Page: 10Section: General NewsRegion: Sydney Circulation: 114,634Type: Capital City DailySize: 208.00 sq.cms.Frequency: MTWTFS-
CWP Newsletter - March 2016I Page 4
April 4-8 The Pacific Women’s Pacific Partnership Forum will be held in Apia, Samoa between the 4-8 April 2016. The Forum will focus on the legilsative base for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Pacific Nations. The PWPP Secretariat welcomes suggestions for inclusions in the agenda here at: [email protected] May 4-5 Women in Parliaments Global Forum (WIP) Jordan July 11-15 Australian Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference Tonga
2016 BIMR CWP Conference 12-14 February
Chair of the CWP Australian Region, the Hon Catherine Cusack, traveled to Guernsey to represent the Australian Region at the British Islands and Mediterranean CWP Conference. Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands. It is 48km west of Normandy, France and is under crown dependenchy of the United Kingdom. The event drew together CWP representatives from across the world to discuss gender pay gaps, health inequalities, women in the technology sector, and education and employment policies.
By all accounts the conference was a success and provided an opportunity for Ms Cusack to recap on acheivements made in the Australian region.
Teleconferences provide an opportunity for CWP Steering Committee Members to discuss the strategic direction for the year ahead. The following dates have been announced: • Friday 18th March – 12:00 AEST• Friday 24th June – 12:00 AEST• Friday 23rd September* – 12:00 AEST • Friday 2nd December – 12:00 AEST * The CWP Secretariat has not specified a particular date for the annual face to face meeting, but suggest that 23 September might be a potential. The question of date and venue for the annual planning meeting will be on the agenda for first teleconference.
2016 Australian Region Teleconference Dates
For your information, 2016 Australian parliamentary sitting dates can be accessed here http://cwpaustralia.com/action-agenda/
Key Conference Dates
The Australian Region
Steer ing CommitteeCommonwealth Women Parliamentarians
CWP Newsletter - March 2016 I Page 5
CWP
The Hon. Catherine Cusack MLCChair of Australia Region CWPMember of the NSW Legislative CouncilEmail: [email protected]
Ms Gayle Tierney MLCVictorian Representative Email: [email protected]
Ms Nicole Lawder MLAACT RepresentativeMember for Brindabella
Email: [email protected]
Ms Jenny Aitchison MPNSW Representative Member for Maitland Email: [email protected]
Ms Katrine Hildyard MPSouth Australia Representative Member for Reynell Email: [email protected]
The Hon. Kezia Purick MLANorthern Territory RepresentativeSpeaker of the Legislative AssemblyMember for GoyderEmail: [email protected]
Ms Lisa Baker MLAWestern Australia RepresentativeMember for Maylands Email: [email protected]
Ms Brittany Lauga MPQueensland RepresentativeMember for KeppelEmail: [email protected]
The Hon. Michelle O’Byrne MPTasmania RepresentativeMember for BassEmail: [email protected]
