OFFICE FOR WOMEN

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (23 October 2006) (Estimates Committee A).

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Volunteers, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting in Early Childhood Development): Further to my response to this question on 23 October 2006, I am able to clarify that the Office for Women does not operate a paper-based system and that the Premier's Women's Directory is an internet-based tool. Due to the need to constantly update the Directory, the current system provides distinct advantages. For some years now, the Office for Women has ensured that the Premier's Women's Directory is available on the internet. The electronic nature of the Directory enables the Office for Women to provide decision-makers across Government with access to the capable, board-ready women that are featured on the Directory. The Office also conducts searches of the database for interested parties if requested to do so.