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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-07-20 Daily Xml
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PREMIER'S COUNCIL FOR WOMEN

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the Premier's Council for Women consultations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: Established in December 2002 by the Rann government, the Premier's Council for Women (PCW) provides leadership and advice to ensure that the interests of women are at the forefront of government policies and strategies. Will the minister provide the chamber with information on how the PCW is engaging with South Australian 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 for the City of Adelaide) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. South Australian women are being urged to help shape the future of South Australia by participating in public forums organised by the Premier's Council for Women.

Public forums are currently being held across the state to enable South Australian women to put forward their views on the issues affecting them. A number of public forums in regional and metro locations are providing the platform for hundreds of women to share their views on important issues such as employment, money, family, safety and wellbeing, to mention just a few.

Forums specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, multicultural groups, as well as sessions for younger women and older women, are being held to ensure the concerns of diverse groups of women in our society are captured.

I am pleased to advise that the Adelaide City Forum held on 29 June was attended by over 80 people, which I think is an impressive turnout. It highlights the importance of providing a forum for members of the community to participate in and be heard. I am advised that consultations with women living in the north will be held at the Salisbury council on 21 July. Other consultations will include Noarlunga, Port Augusta and Tailem Bend, and I understand that this will occur in early August.

The PCW is thinking about a better future for all South Australians, and it wants to hear views on the issues that affect South Australian women. To encourage the participation of as many women as possible, I am advised that forums are being advertised in the Sunday Mail, the MessengerPress and other local papers, and flyers are also being distributed to around 500 stakeholders, including approximately 300 multicultural organisations. I understand that the ideas and views gathered from the forums will be used to update South Australia's Strategic Plan as well as help the Premier's Council for Women set agendas for the coming years. Last updated in 2006, South Australia's Strategic Plan is a plan for business, the community and government, and it aims to create opportunities for all South Australians wherever they are and whatever they do.

Following these consultation rounds, the Premier's Council for Women will then make recommendations to help ensure that the updated strategic plan accurately reflects the real views and needs of women in South Australia. The council comprises 16 very influential and competent women, who come from a wide range of different areas and who offer advice on a range of issues, including health and safety, work and the representation of women in leadership positions, such as boards and committees. I believe that these consultations, and the council's recommendations, will help us continue to ensure improved outcomes for South Australian women.

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