Women's Electoral Lobby - New South Wales

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The Fairness Agenda - How do the major parties rate this election?

At the end this long 5 week Federal Election campaign, the Women’s Electoral Lobby, as one of Australia’s enduring women’s activist organisations, has scored the major social policies of each party for fairness against a Feminist Policy Framework.

“Regrettably, there has been too little focus this campaign on good social policy.” said Kathleen Swinbourne, WEL’s Elections Coordinator “We are very disappointed that few of the issues that make a fair society and help women – and men – to lead their lives, have been discussed much at all. Issues like fairness in pay, child care, family law and workplace culture were sadly missing.”

The Greens performed better than Labor, which in turn outscored the Coalition in terms of fairness and equity in social policy. While Labor have made a commitment to pay equity and improvements in terms of workplace culture, there are some areas where they need a lot more focus. And apart from paid parental leave, which scored positively for the Liberal Party, most of its policies just don’t cut it.

DOWNLOAD OUR ELECTION SCORECARD

Please hand them out in your area. If you want hard copies let us know and we’ll do our best to get them to you before Saturday.

For more information about the scorecard and the federal election, please visit the WEL Australia website and go to the Election Hotspot.

Federal Election has been called - Game on!

Prime Minister Gillard visited the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election.

After all the speculation, we finally have an election date. Australian’s will be going to the polls on Saturday 21 August for House of Representatives and Half Senate election.

To keep up with all matters election visit the WEL Australian website's “Election Hotspot” pages. We’ll let you know what’s happening with the leaders and your local candidates. We’ll give you interesting snippets, award our “Misogynist Quote of the Week”, and of course score the policies and platforms of the major parties against our Feminist Policy Framework.

Enrol to vote now!!

Encourage everyone you know to check their electoral enrolment. Go to the GetUp website to watch a clever video about the Federal Election starring Tony Abbott as a James Bond-like character and Julia as a Lara Croft equivalent - battling it out for the hearts and minds of voting Australians. Information about how to enrol can also be found there. There are still 1.4 million Australians - especially young Australians - not enrolled to vote. Urgent action required.

WEL needs your help during the Federal election

WEL is preparing and publishing fact sheets on why the Federal election should be engaging women of all political persuasions. Learn the facts - do not be swayed by fear or voting for the status quo. Election time is when politicians listen to what is wanted. Think WEL before you vote for a fairer society for women. Go to the WEL Australia website for more information - or contact the WEL office to become involved.

Congratulations to all Edna Ryan Award Recipients!

This month WEL NSW celebrated the 13th year of the EDNAs in recognition of women who have made a feminist difference.

In all, 15 women were honoured for their achievements in the areas of arts, battling, community activism, media/communication, education, mentoring and workforce. All of the women awarded have made a feminist difference. They are battlers, stirrers, troublemakers who show extraordinary commitment and determination to improve life for women and for society as a whole.

WEL would like to congratulate all recipients of this year's Edna Ryan Awards!