AUGUSTA ZADOW SCHOLARSHIPS

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:10): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the Augusta Zadow Scholarships.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: I understand that two scholarships are awarded annually to assist with occupational health, safety and welfare improvements in South Australia. Will the minister provide more information on the Augusta Zadow Scholarships?

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) (15:10): I am pleased to announce that the nominations for the 2009 Augusta Zadow Scholarships are now open. Mrs Augusta Zadow played a critical role in securing better conditions for employees in factories, particularly for women and children. In 1895 she became the first female inspector of factories in South Australia. Many of the working conditions we now take for granted are due to the efforts of Mrs Augusta Zadow.

With Mary Lee and David Charleston she drew up a log of wages and prices for use in Adelaide. She investigated complaints about women's wages, work safety and sanitary conditions. Mrs Zadow was also one of the founders of the working women's trade union, which was established in 1890, and from late 1891 she was a delegate to the United Trades and Labor Council. During the depression in 1893, Mrs Zadow found employment for women as domestics and managed the distressed women's and children's fund, her earnest appeals gaining colony-wide support in cash and kind. She was also highly involved in the female suffrage movement.

Two scholarships of up to $10,000 each are awarded each year to assist with occupational health, safety and welfare improvements undertaken by or for the benefit of women in South Australia. Scholarships are awarded to undertake further education, research and/or occupational health, safety and welfare initiatives in Australia or overseas. Past scholarships have funded research and initiatives on workplace bullying, occupational stress and mechanical aids to help staff and residents alike in aged care homes. Nominations close on 28 August and can be made online or through the office of SafeWork. I encourage interested people to apply. The winners will be announced at the SafeWork awards dinner on Friday 30 October at the Adelaide Convention Centre.