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BECOME A MEMBER / SUPPORTER OF THE WOMEN'S ELECTORAL LOBBY The Women's Electoral Lobby puts women's issues on the political agenda WEL treasures its independent, non-party political status and as such is a highly respected voice for women. WEL was formed in 1972 to ensure that women's rights became an issue in the Federal election campaign of that year and has been active at every election since, as well as maintaining pressure on political parties between elections. WEL is dedicated to creating a society where women's participation and potential are unrestricted, acknowledged and respected; where women and men share equally in society's responsibilities and rewards. WEL aims to improve women's access to decision-making bodies in order to give women input into those things that affect their lives. Past achievements of the Women's Electoral Lobby Lobbying by WEL played a significant role in the passing of equal pay legislation in 1972, which saw women awarded the male rate of pay, no matter what job they performed. WEL has played a central role in the legitimisation, policy development, legislative reform and community education programs on issues such as equal opportunity, sexual harassment and domestic violence. WEL was instrumental in the drafting and implementation of State Anti-Discrimination and Federal Sex Discrimination legislation. Since 1976 WEL NSW has lobbied for rape law reforms, which has gradually led to significant amendments to the NSW Crimes Act. In the 70s and 80s WEL was instrumental in improving women's access to fertility control. History of WEL NSW click here Present work of the Women's Electoral Lobby Many rights women now take for granted are being threatened or eroded by a conservative political and economic climate. Federal and State Governments have downgraded and abolished specialist women's units and downgraded budgetary allocation to women's services. A woman's right to control her fertility is once more under threat. WEL is active with all those advocating women's right to choose safe and legal abortions. Although women represent over 50% of the University graduates they still only make-up less than 10% of Boards and CEOs of Australia's major companies. WEL is constantly applying pressure to make workplaces more family friendly for parents so women feel less pressured to make choices between careers and motherhood. Women still perform a disproportionate share of non-market care work rendering them vulnerable to poverty in a market economy. WEL is also developing a response to the Federal Government's new Industrial Relations laws that promise to further disadvantage women in the workplace. Child care costs more than most women can afford. WEL is initiating a Child Care policy round table to investigate and formulate policy initiatives to lobby both State and Federal governments. Australia is one of just two countries in the OECD without some form of universal paid maternity leave. WEL continues to lobby the Federal Government on this issue. Issues like these mean a feminist; women's advocacy organisation like WEL is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. What the organisation offers: lobbying, information, support, education, personal development. Each year as a WEL NSW member you will receive eleven copies of "WEL-Informed", WEL NSW's monthly newsletter which includes news of importance to women and information about WEL activities. If you have time to participate in on-line groups, to attend meetings, workshops and functions, and have input into WEL policies, you will work with like-minded women to shape the future for all Australians. WEL experience stands many women in good stead: ask Helen Coonan, Eva Cox, Pat Giles, Carmen Lawrence, Wendy McCarthy, Susan Ryan and Jocelyn Scutt, just to name a few. You can gain valuable communication, political, organisational and media skills as well as confidence and insight, which may translate into success in public administration, the professions, business, community organisations and politics. Why does the Women's Electoral Lobby need members and supporters? WEL was created to influence governments, public policy and public institutions. WEL lobbies on, and monitors, issues that most governments prefer to ignore but which differentially affect women such as those mentioned above as well as, child-care, education, training and employment, health, industrial relations including family-friendly work practices, anti-discrimination legislation, and media treatment of women. Lobbying occurs at all levels of government - local, state and federal. WEL relies totally on volunteers, subscriptions, fundraising and donations in order to continue putting women's issues on the political agenda. Your support adds to our numbers when approaching the government about legislation concerning women. As an informed member of your community you help encourage awareness and acceptance of issues specific to women's life experiences. What your subscription and/or donation does:
WEL welcomes active and supportive members. Our active members give their time voluntarily to put women on the political agenda and appreciate the emotional and financial support of women who share their opinions and aspirations. Our subscribers are also very important as they contribute the much needed funds that enable WEL to continue to lobby politicians at all levels of government. All donations are also greatly appreciated, no matter how large or small. Please join or support WEL For more information about WEL, for a membership form or to make a donation, please complete the membership form or email WEL NSW at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Alternatively you can telephone the WEL NSW office on (02) 9212.4374 and leave a message to receive our information package, which includes a membership form, or ask for a member to call you. Subscriptions to the WEL monthly newsletter are available to non-members and organisations. To download a copy of this document for distribution to your friends/networks please click below: WEL Member/Supporter Information Document Consider a bequest to WEL NSW A bequest enables you to perpetuate your ideals and make a difference far into the future. Please remember WEL in your will. The following wording is recommended. I bequeath the sum of (amount written in words and figures) free of all debts, duties and taxes to the Women’s Electoral Lobby (NSW) Inc (ABN 50 242 525 012) for its general purposes, and declare that the receipt of the Treasurer for the time being of the Women’s Electoral Lobby (NSW) Inc shall be complete discharge to my executors for this gift, and that my executor shall not be bound to see to the application of it.
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