FOR MEDIA July 4 1983
A Special Task Force on the Status of Women will be established
by the Federal Government.
The Task Force will consist of nine Permanent Heads and the
Chairman of the Public Service Board.
It will involve the Government's most senior advisers and
administrators in consideration of women's interests in the
development and implementation of programs and policies.
Cabinet will receive an annual report from the Task Force on
progress and future priorities.
The members of the Task Force will be the Permanent Heads of
the Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet ( Chair) Finance,
Attorney-General's, Foreign Affairs, Employment and industrial
Relations, industry and Commerce, Education and Youth Aff1airs,
Social Security, Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and the
Chairman of the Public Service Board.
The establishment of the Task Force was one of the conzit-Lments
made during the election campaign in the ALP's policy on women.
In another move to implement the ALP's policy on women, the
Government has given the office of the Status of Women an
expanded role and extra resources.
The Office will monitor the impact of all Government policies
and activities on women.
It will also co-ordinate the development of specific pol4ies
to raise the status of women.
In accordance with the Government's undertakings these will
include: a range of economic, employment and social policy
proposals of importance to women,
new and improved mechanisms for community consultations~
with women,
a national Women's Emergency program,
an affirmative action program for public and nrivate
employment, sex discrimination legislation, and
ratification of the United Nations Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Wi
2.
The Government has also decided to seek more representation
of women on Government boards, authorities and instrumentalities.
Recent appointments, for example the ABC board, have reflected
the Government's commitment in this area.
1