PRESS STATEMENT NO. 322
11 September 1974
The Prime Minister today announced the membership of the Australian National Advisory Committee for International Women's Year.
The Prime Minister said that the Government had been, fortunate in being able to obtain in the people selected a blend and balance of expertise and experience. Ms Elizabeth Reid, adviser on matters relating to women, will be the convener of this Committee; its other members are:
- Ms Shirley Castley child welfare officer in Tasmania
- Mr Barry Egan Trade unionist
- Ms Irene Greenwood lifetime fighter for women's rights in Western Australia
- Ms Ruby Hammond -member of various South Australian aboriginal committees
- Ms Jeanette Hungerford -Queensland occupational therapist
- Ms Caroline Jones extensive media experience
- Mr J. H. M. Oswin Secretary, Department of the Media
- Ms Maria Pozos active amongst migrant women in Melbourne
- Ms Ruth Ross physiotherapist, active in many voluntary and women's organisations in the Wollongong area.
- Ms Diana Waite -experience in problems of women in remote areas, particularly the North West of Australia
- Mrs Margaret Whitlam journalist and former social worker
It will be the responsibility of this Committee to advise the Government in the development of themes for-the Year and in the formulation of a national program. The Committee will provide a continuing link between the Australian Government, women's organisations and the community as a whole.
The Prime Minister said that his government was determined that International Women's Year would be a year of real significance and one during which substantial achievements are made in furthering the opportunities for women in our society. His government had already introduced a great number of legislative reforms aimed at removing discrimination against women. Nevertheless, without a concerted effort towards reducing entrenched prejudices and attitudes, the benefits of many of these reforms may not be fully realised.
The National Advisory Committee is in a unique position to provide a point of national co-ordination for the diverse activities already taking place within the community in areas concerned with women. In addition through the National Advisory Committee a national program focussing on women, drawing attention to both the disabilities they encountered as well as the great contribution they make to Australian society, will mean that 1975 will be a year of significance in the history of social change within Australia.
The Prime Minister added that it is the wish of the Government that the expert advice of the Australian National Advisory Committee will help to create conditions in which women can fully express their sense of self-respect, dignity and freedom and can properly make their great contribution to Australian society. In this way both men and women, adults and children, will be helped towards a richer life.
CANBERRA. A. C. T