UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (16:25): My question is to the Minister for the Status of Women. Will the minister advise the council about the 25th anniversary of Australia's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (16:25): I thank the member for his important question, and I am very proud to say—although, obviously, there is no-one in the opposition on the other side who cares about or is interested in this important topic—that Australia was one of the original signatories to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women which was ratified on 28 July 1983.

This important document reaffirms the human rights, dignity and worth of both women and men. Since 1894, when South Australia was the first place in the world to allow women to stand for parliament and became the first Australian colony and only the fourth place in the world to enfranchise women with the vote, South Australia has been a leader in women's rights. In 1976, South Australia was the first place in the English-speaking world to ban rape in marriage, and in 2008 it has just passed a range of important new laws involving rape and sexual assault—another significant achievement.

July 2008 marks another important anniversary for South Australian women as we celebrate the 30th birthday of the Women's Information Service—established five years before CEDAW was ratified. WIS is the oldest service of its kind in Australia and has been replicated across the nation. This milestone again demonstrates that South Australia is a leader in the field of women's rights. The Women's Information Service in many ways complements CEDAW, particularly by ensuring that women can access information about their rights, educational opportunities, personal finances and matters such as superannuation.

Since its beginning in 1978, thousands of women in South Australia have utilised the Women's Information Service to obtain information, referrals and support. Volunteers have always been at the heart of providing this very valuable service over the years. Many women have generously volunteered their time at the Women's Information Service.

Recently, the Women's Information Service has expanded its service by working with local women at the children's centres that are being established throughout the state and by establishing women's information hubs in rural and regional centres.

Today, the Rann government is ensuring that South Australia continues to lead the nation in the field of women's rights through South Australia's Strategic Plan. Our target for 50 per cent representation of women on government boards by the end of 2008 and 50 per cent of the chairs of these boards by 2010 is a bold target indeed that leads these areas across Australia, as is our target to have 50 per cent of leadership positions in the Public Service filled by women. By continuing to promote women's equal rights, South Australia will remain a world leader.

I also commend the federal government for its recent commitment to commence the process towards accession to the Optimal Protocol of CEDAW. This protocol—which the Howard government consistently refused to consider—would allow Australian women to appeal to the United Nations in matters of discrimination should all other avenues be exhausted. This is a strong symbol of the Rudd Labor government's commitment to women's rights in this country, and I am pleased to celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of CEDAW and the establishment of WIS, and look forward to working to eliminate discrimination against women in our state in my new role as Minister for the Status of Women.