The Women’s Electoral Lobby NSW (WEL NSW) is a feminist, non-profit, self-funded, non-party political, lobby group founded in 1972. WEL is dedicated to creating a society where women’s participation and potential are unrestricted, acknowledged and respected and where women and men share equally in society’s responsibilities and rewards.

FEMINIST: We believe women and men should have equal opportunities to develop their individual abilities.
NON-PARTY: We recommend that women vote for candidates who support women’s interests, regardless of their party.
POLITICAL: We develop policies which reflect a fair position for women.
LOBBY: We aim to influence politicians, their parties and others in power to implement our policies.

WEL NSW is a state branch of WEL Australia. There are WEL branches in every state and territory, rmirroring Australia's federal structure. State branches focus on state issues that affect women. However, because of the overlapping nature of state and federal policy making, state branches often work closely with WEL Australia. 

WEL NSW works for:

A society where women:

• make their own choices and control their own lives
• participate fully in public decision-making and community life
• have equal access to community resources and equal reward for their contribution to the community
• can have children by choice, and
• can have a career, combine it with caring for children, or care for children full-time

And a society where women and men:

•  are not confined to stereotyped roles
•   - have attitudes that are tolerant of a variety of lifestyles and of each other's needs and aspirations.

How we lobby:

• By writing and talking to government ministers, members of parliament, public servants, community organizations and the media
• By presenting well researched submissions to governments ministers, their departments, commissions and statutory bodies
• By explaining our point of view on radio, television, letters to the press, and public forums
• By organizing seminars, conferences and workshops.

Our Campaigns

WEL NSW is currently focusing on pushing feminist issues onto the agenda at the 2011 state election. The election conveniently falls only weeks after 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. Expect something big!