OUR COMMITMENT TO WOMEN

STATEMENT BY
SENATOR THE HONOURABLE JOCELYN NEWMAN
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY
AND MINISTER ASSISTING THE PRIME MINISTER
FOR THE STATUS OF WOMEN
13 MAY 1997

OVERVIEW

Our Commitment to Women

The Coalition Government's commitment to women has been reflected in its first year through policies which allow women to make real choices at different stages of their lives. The Government is offering women greater choice through action in the following key areas:

Work and Family Life

Blending work and family life is a challenge for many women today. The Workplace Relations Act 1996 has laid down the framework for a more family friendly workplace with permanent part-time work and greater scope for flexibility in working arrangements. The Family Tax Initiative is an innovative measure to provide more assistance to families. Our child care system provides excellent choice for women in employment and ensures continued growth in child care places.

Employment Opportunities

Preparing young women for employment as the economy grows is a priority. Encouraging schools to provide links with training and with employers, and apprenticeships which recognise the needs and interests of young women, all play a part. The Green Corps Programme will encourage young Australians to consider further education and training in environment related areas.

Income Support

Income support is vital as part of a reliable safety net and support system for those in need. Benefit payments will be simpler and more flexible for customers. The new Parenting Payment recognises that family circumstances can change.

Greater Choice for Older Women

The pension bonus scheme gives greater choice to older women who want to stay in the workforce beyond age pension age. For the frail elderly, better choice of high quality care will be available.

Women as Carers

The National Carer Action Plan will provide a better choice of services for carers who often bear a heavy load. Extensions of Carer Payment and an increase in the rate of Domiciliary Nursing Care Benefit in this Budget, coupled with scope for more flexible use of respite care without losing pension entitlement, are major improvements.

Women in Decision Making

The Government wants to encourage far greater participation of women in decision making in all areas of government and business and is implementing a strategy to increase the number of women appointed to Commonwealth boards and bodies.

Safety

A safe environment in which community and economic life can flourish is a basic right of all Australians. Women's safety is a priority and domestic violence is especially abhorrent. In accordance with an election commitment the Prime Minister will convene a National Domestic Violence Summit later this year. The Summit will work towards the development of a comprehensive strategy to reduce domestic violence in Australia.