WOMEN'S INFORMATION SERVICE

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the Women's Information Service and Pink Ribbon Day.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Breast cancer awareness campaigns have become increasingly prominent. Survivors and ambassadors, such as Jane McGrath, have established foundations to help women survive this pernicious disease. Will the minister provide an update on the Women's Information Service (which I believe has recently moved premises) and its operations with Pink Ribbon Day?

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) (15:23): I thank the honourable member for this most important question and his ongoing interest in these important policy matters. Yesterday the Women's Information Service opened business in its brand new premises located on the ground floor of Chesser House, 91-97 Grenfell Street. The date of 27 October is significant for other reasons, as the honourable member mentioned.

Yesterday was Pink Ribbon Day. This important day is earmarked to raise awareness in the community about breast cancer, which remains one of the largest health problems affecting women in Australia. The Cancer Council of Australia estimates that around 12,000 women are diagnosed annually. My mother is one of those unfortunate people who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. There have been significant advancements in terms of early detection and treatment. Indeed, my mother has been a recipient of that, as well. The early detection and aggressive treatment protocols have meant that after several lots of surgery and other treatment she has a very good prognosis and very good health at present. I urge all members to support this most important day, wherever they can.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of hope for women with breast cancer. Many of us here today know someone special who has been affected by breast cancer. As I said, I urge all members to support this worthwhile cause. Yesterday, in order to celebrate the new home of the Women's Information Service, a pink ribbon afternoon tea was hosted by the service, with funds raised going to the Cancer Council to continue its research and support education for women and their families.

Since 1997 the Women's Information Service has been situated in the Station Arcade on North Terrace. This location has served women of South Australia extremely well, but it is very fitting that on the service's 30th birthday a more prominent position in the heart of Adelaide's CBD be secured. The new location includes a private interview room, a high speed internet connection, and automatic doors, which enable access for disabled persons. The WIS shopfront offers women a safe and comfortable environment where they can relax and be connected with government and non-government service providers and learn more about issues that affect them.

Most importantly, this service is free and confidential. It aims to empower women to make informed decisions and discuss their individual situations in a respectful and non-judgmental way. WIS will continue to provide its integral programs at the new location. They include: the Family Court support program, outreach services, internet and computer training, telephone legal advice, tax return assistance, English conversation classes for newly arrived women, and a toll-free line for rural women.

I am pleased to announce the relocation of the Women's Information Service, and I encourage women of South Australia to visit at Chesser House at their earliest convenience. The relocation of WIS also marks a time for a change for the Office for Women, which will be relocating next door to Chesser House in the near future. I commend the staff of the Office for Women for their hard work in organising the day's celebrations. I especially acknowledge the volunteers who work at the WIS. Without their ongoing assistance and support there is no way that we could have offered the full range of services that we currently have.