| 1 foreword

The Liberal Party of Australia is the party of opportunity and choice for all Australians. From its inception in 1944, the Liberal Party has had a proud LIBERAL history of advancing opportunities for Australian women. It has done so from a strong philosophical tradition of respect for competence and WOMEN contribution, regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity. A PROUD HISTORY OF FIRSTS While other political parties have represented specific interests within the Australian community such as the trade union or environmental movements, the Liberal Party has always proudly demonstrated a broad and inclusive membership that has better understood the aspirations of contents all Australians and not least Australian women. The Liberal Party also has a long history of pre-selecting and Foreword by the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP ... 3 supporting women to serve in Parliament. Dame Enid Lyons, the first female member of the House of Representatives, a member of the Liberal Women: A Proud History ... 4 United Australia Party and then the Liberal Party, served Australia with exceptional competence during the Menzies years. She demonstrated The Early Liberal Movement ... 6 the passion, capability and drive that are characteristic of the strong The Liberal Party of Australia: Beginnings to 1996 ... 8 Liberal women who have helped shape our nation. Key Policy Achievements ... 10 As one of the many female Liberal parliamentarians, and one of the A Proud History of Firsts ... 11 thousands of female Liberal Party members across Australia, I am truly proud of our party’s history. I am proud to be a member of a party with a The Howard Years ... 12 diverse parliamentary team that aspires to represent all Australians. Key Policy Achievements ... 14 As members of a party founded on concepts of freedom and A Proud History of Firsts ... 15 opportunity, it is natural for Liberals to support the aspirations of women. So, it is an honour to compile and edit this booklet reflecting on our The Present ... 16 enviable history as a party with strong female leadership. I hope that Key Policy Achievements ... 18 the contents of this book will help inspire a new generation of women to A Proud History of Firsts ... 19 make an energetic contribution to our great nation’s future.

Looking Ahead ... 20 Our Team ... 24

The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP Federal Member for Higgins Minister for Revenue and Financial Services Minister for Women Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service

2 | | 3 A proud history

The Liberal Party is the party of opportunity, We believe reward and choice in Australia. • In the inalienable rights and freedoms of Since its formation in 1944, the Liberal Party all peoples; and we work towards a lean government that minimises interference in has been the party that has created more our daily lives; and maximises individual and opportunities for Australian women. private sector initiative We achieved this by implementing • In government that nurtures and encourages policies that strengthened the economy, its citizens through incentive, rather than putting limits on people through the punishing supported families and recognised reward disincentives of burdensome taxes and the for effort. We have been, and continue to stifling structures of Labor's corporate state be, committed to providing greater legal, and bureaucratic red tape. economic and social opportunities for all. • In those most basic freedoms of parliamentary democracy – the freedom of thought, worship, The Liberal Party has also strived to support speech and association. and promote women into Parliament. Since • In a just and humane society in which the Federation, the Coalition has had greater importance of the family and the role of law female representation in both the Cabinet and justice is maintained. and the Ministry than the Labor Party. We are • In equal opportunity for all Australians; and incredibly proud of the many political and the encouragement and facilitation of wealth social milestones that have been achieved so that all may enjoy the highest possible by the women of our party. standards of living, health, education and social justice. As Dame Enid Lyons, the first woman ever • That, wherever possible, government should elected to the House of Representatives, not compete with an efficient private sector; articulated in her first speech to Parliament, and that businesses and individuals - not we are a party that chooses candidates government - are the true creators of wealth and employment. on their merits. Our record continues to demonstrate a commitment to supporting • In preserving Australia's naturalThe beautyEarly and Liberal Movement the environment for future generations. talented women throughout Australia who Prior to the formation of the The 19th Century liberal movement policy have come to a life of public service from • That our nation has a constructivemodern Liberal role Party to ofplay Australia of equal education for boys and girls was a key reform that transformed the nation. a variety of backgrounds and with a broad in maintaining world peace andin 1944, democracy there was an active liberal movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved quickly to secure voting rights for women through alliance with other freeinfluence nations. in shaping modern range of experiences. around the Commonwealth. Australia. Female suffrage was a priority for, and mobilised many women in the liberal movement, many of whomthe were liberal well party of australia: educated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) public life. Within a short time, women’s political organisations were formed to support the liberal cause. In 1901, women in South Australia and Western Australia already had the vote and were able to participate in the first Federal Election of the newly formed nation. Women were already playing significant roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) The Present Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 5 Women also took on a greater role in A Proud History working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts The Early Liberal Movement

Women’s liberal leagues worked hard to In 1942, the Women for Canberra Movement Prior to the formation of the TheFemale 19th suffrage Century and liberal political movement participation policy were Women were a major force support the election of women into Parliament, publicised the need for women to be elected to all prioritiesof equal of education the early liberal for boys movement, and girls and was inmodern the early Liberal liberal Party movement of Australia and were ultimately successful. In the 1920s, Australian Parliaments. While women had the right thisa key mobilised reform manythat transformed women to form the political nation. whoin 1944, organised there was to anpromote active liberal Prime Minister Stanley Bruce, a member to be elected to Federal Parliament from 1902, Theorganisations early liberal supporting movement the liberal then cause. moved liberalmovement ideas that and had support a significant of one of the Liberal Party’s predecessors, none had succeeded. The Movement brought Thesequickly organisations to secure voting would laterrights play for a women major role influence in shaping modern the Nationalist Party, stated that the best this important issue into the public debate, with women into parliament. inaround the formation the Commonwealth. of the Liberal Party. Australia. candidates should be pre-selected, regardless Sir Robert Menzies agreeing that gender should InFemale 1902, Mrssuffrage Hilma wasMolyneux a priority Parkes, for, who and had of gender. During his time as Prime Minister, the be neither a disqualification nor a qualification for beenmobilised a leader many in the women New South in the Wales liberal suffrage first women were elected to State Parliaments election to Parliament. movement, formed many the of Women’swhom were Liberal well League representing the Nationalist Party. These Menzies recognised that the work and aspirations ofeducated NSW. The and League willing fought to participate hard and was in included Edith Cowan in Western Australia, of women had changed, and in one of his ultimatelypublic life. successful Within a inshort winning time, the women’s right for Millicent Preston Stanley in New South Wales, Forgotten People radio broadcasts said: womenpolitical to organisations vote in pre-selections. were formed to and Irene Longman in Queensland. Respected support the liberal cause. author on Liberal women, Margaret Fitzherbert, In 1904, the Australian Women’s National League “There is – and every year I live, every new noted that each of these women “was a veteran (AWNL)In 1901, was women formed in in South Victoria Australia in support and of experience I have convinces me of it more of women’s organisations and fought for theWestern liberal Australiacause. Prior already to the Firsthad Worldthe vote War, and more – there is courage, energy, skill policies that benefited women and children”. theand AWNL were wasable probably to participate the largest in the political first and resource about women which can serve this land mightily.” organisationFederal Election in Australia. of the With newly Lady formed Janet Clarke, In 1933, Lady Millie Peacock, a member of the andnation. later Eva Hughes, as its President it had United Australia Party, the predecessor to the more than 50,000 members across Australia. It Liberal Party, was the first woman to be elected Women were already playing significant was arguably the single most effective electoral to the Victorian Parliament. roles in the organisations that later led to organisation for liberal ideas in its day. the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal • The Australian Women’s National League The Australian Women’s National League at .men were also active in encouraging its peakat its peakhad 500 had branches 500 branches and more and thanmore women to organise politically. In contrast, 50,000than members54,000 members across Australia. across Australia. the Australian Labor Party, already in existence, was far less focussed on female political participation and suffrage, The Early Liberaldue Movement to its trade union roots dominated by Prior to the formation of the men.The 19th Century liberal movement policy modern Liberal Party of Australia of equal education for boys and girls was in 1944, there was an active liberal a key reform that transformed the nation. movement that had a significant In 1902The early Mrs liberal movement Hilma then Molyneux moved Parkes, who quickly to secure voting rights for women influence in shaping modern hadaround been the Commonwealth. a leader in the New South Wales Australia. SuffrageFemale suffrage League, was a priority formed for, and the Women’s mobilised many womenthe in the liberal liberal party of australia: Liberalmovement, League many of whom (NSW). were well The League fought educated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) hardpublic and life. Withinwas a short ultimately time, women’s successful in political organisations were formed to winningsupport thethe liberal right cause. for women to be In 1901, women in South Australia and pre-selectedWestern Australia alreadyas candidates had the vote for Parliament. and were able to participate in the first Federal Election of the newly formed In 1903nation. the Australian Women’s National LeagueWomen were(AWNL) already playing was significant formed in Victoria roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) The Present Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 | Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to 4 Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 7 Women also took on a greater role in The Early Liberal Movement working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts the liberal liberal party party of of australia: australia: beginningsbeginnings to to 1996 1996

The Federal Women’s Committee worked to ensure a government department. In the same year, Dame that the Liberal Party’s federal platform on the “Status of Ivy Wedgwood became the first woman to be Women” was updated by Menzies to include: elected as Acting Chairman of Committees in the Senate. • equality of opportunity, liberties and status for men and women; and equal freedom to engage in all Harold Holt, along with the Liberal Party’s Federal civic and political activities in the community; Women’s Committee, also worked to address the inequalities women faced in the workplace. For the elimination of anomalies in employment • example, in 1966 he oversaw the dismantling of the opportunities for women, and the institution of Marriage Bar in the Commonwealth Public Service further enquiries into the principles of assessing which had required women to give up their jobs women’s wage rates with a view to the correction once married. of existing injustices; The Liberal Party was founded on October 16, 1944 after a three-daythree day conference in Albury in NSW. Policies designed to support women were uniformity of marriage and divorce laws within the • developed even further under Malcolm Fraser’s At the Albury Conference in 1944, where in the creation of the Federal Women’s Commonwealth; Sir Robert Menzies strongly believed in equality Dame Elizabeth Couchman, Dame Ivy Wedgewood leadership. Fraser sought to tackle issues affecting the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the of opportunity for both women and men, and saw and Edith Haynes worked with Menzies to ensure • the appointment of women to committees, women using a whole of government approach. was determined and the Constitution women as important contributors to the liberal Federalthat women Council were in Augustrepresented 1945. in the Liberal Party. commissions or similar bodies concerned with In 1976 he asked the Attorney-General and the adopted, Robert Menzies said: cause. At the Albury Conference in 1944, where JustDame over Elizabetha year later, successfully the Federal negotiated a deal the status and rights of women, housing policy, Ministers for Health, Education, Environment, Housing and Community Development, Ethnic the“Women structure are of the unquestionably modern Liberal destined Party was Women’swith Menzies Committee to merge was the incorporated Australian Women’s and the care and education of children and like Affairs, Immigration and Social Security to set up determined,to exercise Menzies more said: and more influence intoNational the constitution League with of thethe Liberal Liberal Party, Party and in doing matters; and upon practical politics in Australia... In so helped secure reserved positions for women units within their own departments to specifically “Women are unquestionably destined to and in doing so secured representation for within branches and at State Councils, particularly • every practical assistance towards ensuring the focus on the development of policy for women. theexercise educating more andof the more electorate influence in uponliberal women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in Victoria. provision of all modern and progressive domestic He also established the first ministerial portfolio for ideaspractical they politics have infor Australia... many years In the been amenities for women, particularly in country areas. The Federal Constitution of the Party women’s affairs. aneducating effective of force.the electorate Now we in have liberal an ideas The Liberal Party’s first Federal Council was held was altered to enshrine the position of a organisationthey have for manyin which years all been distinctions an effective in August 1945, and it was here that the Federal The idea of equal opportunity for both women and men, haveforce. gone, Now we and have with an men organisationThe and Early women in which Liberal female MovementWomen’s Vice CommitteePresident ofwas the established. Party. Just over and the active recognition of the role women could working equally for the one body...” play in public life did not end with Menzies. It was in all distinctions have gone, andPrior towith the formation men and of the Whena Theyear elected 19th Centurylater, liberal thePrime movementFederal Minister policy Women’s in 1949, Committee was women working equally formodern the one Liberal body...” Party of Australia incorporatedof equal education for into boys theand girls constitution was of the Liberal 1966, under Harold Holt’s Prime Ministership that Dame From the very beginning of thein 1944, Party’s there was an active liberalMenzies a key reform oversaw that transformed the the amendmentnation. of the movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved Annabelle Rankin became the first woman to administer Partyquickly andto secure secured voting rights representationfor women for women on the operations, Dame Enid Lyonsinfluence and in shaping modern Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: around the Commonwealth. Australia. Party’s Federal Executive. Dame Elizabeth Couchman had a great Female suffrage was a priority for, and • equalitymobilised many of women opportunity, in the liberal liberties and influence on our policies and structure. movement, many of whomthe were liberal well party of australia: statuseducated forand willing men to beginnings participate and women;in to 1996 and equal The howard years (1996 - 2007) Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a public life. Within a short time, women’s freedompolitical organisations to engage were formed toin all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian support the liberal cause. politicalIn 1901, women activities in South Australia in andthe community; Women’s National League with the Liberal Western Australia already had the vote and were able to participate in the first Party, and both women played a core role Federal Election of the newly formed nation. Women were already playing significant roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) The Present Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election | the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 6 Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 8 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 9 Women also took on a greater role in Beginnings to 1996 working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Key Policy Key Policy A Proud History of achievementsachievements firsts

“This is the first occasion upon which a woman has addressed this House. For that reason, it is an occasion 1949-66 Menzies Government which, for every woman in the Commonwealth, marks in some degree a turning point in history.” • Child Endowment Scheme – Dame Enid Lyons, Maiden Speech, 1943 • National Health Scheme 1949-66 Menzies• Commonwealth Government scholarship scheme 1950 – Extension of Child Endowment Scheme to first born children 1950 – National Health Scheme announced 1966-721959 – Matrimonial Holt, GortonCauses Act & passed, McMahon affording women greater equality when seekingGovernments a divorce or separation tHE hON tHE hON agnes Dame Ivy • Protecting deserted wives Dame Enid Lyons AD GBE dame annabelle rankin DBE robertson Wedgwood DBE

• Equal pay legislation First woman elected to the First woman whip in any Westminster Parliament First woman to lead a First woman elected as Acting 1966-72 Holt, Gorton & McMahon •Dame Dame Annabelle Annabelle Rankin Rankin (left) (left) pictured pictured with House of Representatives First woman to hold ministerial responsibility in Senate ticket for a Chairman of Committees in major party the Senate Governments Damewith EnidDame Lyons Enid inLyons 1949. in 1949. First woman in Federal Cabinet Federal Parliament (as Vice-President of the First woman to head an Australian diplomatic First woman to chair a Executive Council in 1949) Senate committee 1975-831966 – Marriage Fraser bar in Governmentthe Commonwealth mission as High Commissioner to New Zealand Public Service dismantled First woman senator for Queensland First woman senator from Victoria 1968 – Protection • Family for deserted income wives supplement legislationscheme passed to help lower 1972 – Child Careincome Act passed, families introducing funding• Signed of childcare the at Convention the federal level on the Elimination of Discrimination Against 1975-83 Fraser Women, Government which led to the establishment of the Sex 1976 – Family Discriminationallowance, paid to Officemothers, is Dame Nancy tHE hON tHE hON Kay Mary (Shirley) introduced Butterfield DBE eileen furley oBE Dame Margaret Brownbill OBE Wa lt e rs First ministerial portfolio focusing on Guilfoyle ac DBE women’s affairs established First woman to represent First woman from First woman MP from First woman Senator The Early Liberal Movement South Australia in the New South Wales to First woman to hold a federal South Australia, and for Tasmania 1978 – Establishment of National Women’s •Minister Minister Margaret Margaret Guilfoyle Guilfoyle visits visits the the St federal Parliament and to gain pre-selection for economic portfolio as Finance third woman to be Advisory Council,Prior to theconvened formation of by the Dame The 19th Century liberal movement policy be nominated to fill a casual the Senate Minister elected to the House VincentSt Vincent de Paul de women’sPaul women’s centre centre in Mawson in Beryl Beaurepairemodern Liberal Party of Australia of equal education for boys and girls was vacancy in the Senate First woman to hold a Federal of Representatives in 1944, there was an active liberal a key reform thatin transformed Mawson1977. the nation. in 1977. movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved Cabinet position and have quickly to secure voting rights for women influence in shaping modern responsibility for a portfolio as around the Commonwealth. Australia. Minister for Social Security Female suffrage was a priority for, and mobilised many womenthe in the liberal liberal party of australia: First woman Minister movement, many of whom were well for Education educated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) public life. Within a short time, women’s political organisations were formed to support the liberal cause. In 1901, women in South Australia and Western Australia already had the vote and were able to participate in the first Federal Election of the newly formed nation. Women were already playing significant Beginnings to 1996 | 9 roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) THE PRESENT Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 11 Women also took on a greater role in Beginnings to 1996 working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts TheThe howard howard years years (1996 (1996 - - 2007) 2007)

With the support of these policies, The safety of women was also a top women started to take on a greater role in priority for the Howard Government, business and industry, with nearly a third with significant funds dedicated to of small businesses around the country the ‘Women’s Safety Agenda’ which being operated by women and women addressed four broad themes of accounting for over a third of all seats on prevention, health, justice and services. Australian Government boards and bodies. The initiatives included further supporting the national ‘Violence Against Women, The Howard Government identified Australia Says No’ campaign and a declining birth rates as an important issue national 24-hour helpline. and introduced a number of policies Prime• Prime Minister Minister John John Howard Howard pictured pictured with with his hisincoming incoming team team of women of women after after the successfulthe successful to support Australian families. These The Liberal Party also continued to support 19961996 Federal Federal Election. Election. measures included the introduction of the the pre-selection and election of women to Baby Bonus in 2002, substantial increases Parliament throughout the Howard Years. in the rates of family benefits and subsidies The 1996 election saw a record number The Howard Government committed itself to FromUnder 1996 the Prime to 2007, Ministership Prime of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election for women facing difficulties with infertility. of Liberal Women serving in Parliament, an Australia where women were full and active MinisterJohn Howard John Howardfrom 1996 to 2007 victory was accompanied by the election with 25 female Members and Senators. participants in all spheres of public and private The Howard Government also made the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to This increase in female representation continued the Liberal Party’s life, and implemented a number of policies to improvements to superannuation that strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. was in part due to the work of groups like strong tradition of supporting support them into the workforce. benefited women. Jocelyn Newman, then improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the the NSW Liberal Women’s Forum, which the Minister assisting the Prime Minister for and improving the lives of In 2000,commitment the Equal ofOpportunity females to for fully Women participate in the offered a training program for women in Australia continued. the Status of Women, pioneered legislation women in Australia. Workplacein the workforceAct, designed and to in reduce education workplace and seeking pre-selection for Parliament. This that required divorcing couples to split discriminationtraining. During against this women, period, came more into women effect. Forum still runs programs to support their superannuation either by agreement The Governmentthan men completed also endeavoured Year 12 andto make it potential female candidates today. or court order. The Howard Government easierparticipated for women into higherre-enter levels the workforce of education. after also helped women supplement their having children by increasing the number of Women also took on a greater role in superannuation savings through child care places, introducing the child care tax business and industry throughout the the Superannuation Co-contribution The Early Liberalrebate Movement and encouraging flexible family-friendly Howard Government, with nearly 32 per Scheme, which ultimately matched the work practices. The Government also amended Prior to the formation of the centThe of 19th small Century liberal businesses movement policy around the superannuation contribution of eligible modern Liberal Party of Australiathe Sex Discriminationof equal education for boys Act and girls to was explicitly recognise in 1944, there was an active liberalcountry a key reform being that transformed operated the nation. by women. employees by up to $1,500 per year. movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved breastfeedingquickly to secure as avoting potential rights for women ground of unlawful influence in shaping modern The aroundHoward the Commonwealth. Government committed itself Australia. dismissal in the workplace. to anFemale Australia suffrage was awhere priority for, andwomen were full mobilised many womenthe in the liberal liberal party of australia: andmovement, active many participants of whom were well in all spheres of educated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) publicpublic andlife. Within private a short time, life, women’s and held a wide political organisations were formed to rangesupport of the decision-making liberal cause. positions. From In 1901, women in South Australia and 1996Western the Australia number already hadof the women vote on Australian and were able to participate in the first GovernmentFederal Election of boards the newly formed and bodies increased to overnation. 33 per cent. Women were already playing significant roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) THE PRESENT Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 | Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to 10 Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 12 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 13 Women also took on a greater role in The Howard Years working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts A Proud History of A Proud History of firsts firsts the hon Margaret Reid ao First woman to be elected as President of the Senate. the hon Margaret Reid ao First woman to be elected as President of the Senate.

the hon Jackie Kelly First woman to have a child whilst serving as a Minister in the Commonwealth A Proud Historythe hon Jackie of Kelly Parliament. firstsFirst woman to have a child whilst serving as a Minister in the Commonwealth Parliament. the hon Kathy Sullivan am the hon Margaret Reid ao First woman to serve in both houses of Federal Parliament. the hon Kathy Sullivan am First woman to be elected as President of the Senate. First woman to serve in both houses of Federal Parliament. A Proud History of A Proud History of firsts Key Policy the hon Jackie Kelly firsts the hon Helen Coonan First woman to have a child whilst serving as a Minister in the Commonwealth First woman to be appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate. A Proud theHistory hon Helen of Coonan achievements Parliament.A Proud History of the hon Margaret Reid ao firstsFirst woman to be appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate. firsts the hon Margaret Reid aoFirst woman to be elected as President of the Senate. First woman to be elected as President of the Senate. the hon Kathy Sullivan am 1996 - 2007 Howard Government First woman to serve in both housesthe hon of MargaretFederal Parliament. Reid ao the hon Amanda Vanstone 1996 Maternity Allowance introduced the hon Jackie Kelly First woman to be elected as President of the Senate. Longest serving female Cabinet Minister. the hon Amanda Vanstone 1997 National Domestic Violence Summit convened A Proud History of the hon Jackie Kelly First woman to have a child whilst serving as a Minister in the Commonwealth Longest serving female Cabinet Minister. Parliament. Partnerships Against Domestic Violence, a national strategy firsts First woman to have a child whilst serving as a Minister in the Commonwealth in which Heads of Government worked together to prevent THE HON THE HON Parliament.THE HON THE HON the hon Fran Bailey the hon Helen Coonan the hon Jackie Kelly domestic violence was launched Am Ao First female Liberal candidate to be elected to a Victorian House of Kathy Sullivan First the womanhon MargaretFran to be Bailey appointed Reid Deputy First woman LeaderTrish to of have the Worth Governmenta child AM whilst inserving theAmanda Senate. as athe Minister Vanstone hon Kathy in the Commonwealth Sullivan am Child Care Access Hotline established and child care places Representatives seat and the first woman to hold a rural electorate. First woman to serve in bothFirst femaleFirst Liberal woman to candidate be elected as Parliament.to the be hon electedFirst Margaret woman to a Deputy Victorian Government Reid House ao of First womanFirst Minister woman for Immigration to serve in both houses of Federal Parliament. significantly increased houses of Federal Parliament President of the Senate Whipthe in honthe House Kathy of Sullivanand Multiculturalam Affairs Representatives seat and the firstFirst woman woman to tohold be aelected rural electorate. as President of the Senate. First woman to hold whip positions FirstRepresentatives woman to serve inFirst both woman houses Minister offor FederalEmployment Parliament. 2000 Equal opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act passed in the Senate and the House of First woman Minister for Justice Representatives Child Care Benefit introduced the hon Kathy Sullivan am the hon Bronwyn Bishop mp the hon Amanda VanstoneFirst woman to serve in both houses of Federal Parliament. Major tax system reforms initiated, ultimately increasing family the hon Jackie Kelly the hon HelenThe Coonan first woman to be elected as a Senator for New South Wales and tax benefits and the low income tax offset Longestthe hon serving Bronwyn female Bishop Cabinet Minister. mp First woman to have a child whilst serving as aFirst Minister woman in tothelongest be Commonwealth appointed serving Deputyfemale parliamentarianLeader of the Government in the Commonwealth in the Senate. Parliament. The first woman to be elected as a Senator forthe New hon South Helen Wales Coonan and Stronger Families and Communities Strategy announced to Parliament. improve the flexibility of child care longest serving female parliamentarian in theFirst Commonwealth woman to be Parliament. appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate. the hon Fran Bailey 2001 Funding for a National Initiative to combat sexual assault the hon Helen Coonan First female Liberal candidate to be elected to a Victorian House of announced THE HON THE HON the hon Kathy Sullivan amTHE HON Representatives seat and the firstFirst woman woman to to hold be appointed a rural electorate. Deputy Leader12 | of Liberal the Government Women: A Proudin the Senate.History of Firsts 2002 Baby bonus introduced Bronwyn Bishop Jackie Kelly First woman to serve in bothHelen houses Coonan of Federalthe Parliament. hon Amanda Vanstone 12 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Introduction of legislation pioneered by Jocelyn Newman to First woman to be popularly First woman to give birth whilst theFirst hon woman Amanda Deputy Leader Vanstone of the GovernmentLongest in the Senate serving female Cabinet Minister. elected as a Senator for serving as a Minister in First woman Minister for Communications allow separating couples to divide their superannuation by New South Wales the Commonwealth Parliament LongestFirst woman serving to hold afemale Treasury portfolioCabinet outside Minister. of Cabinet agreement or court order the hon Bronwyn Bishop mp the hon Amanda Vanstone the hon Fran Bailey 2003 Sex Discrimination Act explicitly recognising breastfeeding as The first woman to be elected asthe a Senator hon Helen for New Coonan South Wales and a potential ground of unlawful dismissal in the workplace came Longest serving female Cabinet Minister. First female Liberal candidate to be elected to a Victorian House of longest serving female parliamentarianFirst woman in the to theCommonwealth be honappointed Fran Deputy BaileyParliament. Leader of the Government in the Senate. Representatives seat and the first woman to hold a rural electorate. into effect First female Liberal candidate to be elected to a Victorian House of Superannuation co-contribution introduced Representatives seat and the first woman to hold a rural electorate. The Early Liberal Movement the hon Fran Bailey 2004 Superannuation co-contribution enhanced with a higher Prior to the formation of the The 19th Century liberal movement policy First female Liberal candidate to be elected to a Victorian House of maximummodern contribution Liberal Party of ofAustralia $1,500 of equal education for boys and girls was 12 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts a key reform that transformed the nation. Representatives seat and the first woman to hold a rural electorate. in 1944, there was an active liberal the hon Bronwyn Bishop mp movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved THE HON THEthe HONhon THE HON 2005 Child Care Tax Rebate introducedquickly to secure voting rights for women Amanda Vanstone influence in shaping modern around the Commonwealth. the hon Bronwyn BishopThe mp first woman to be elected as a Senator for New South Wales and Australia. Danna Vale FranLongest Bailey serving female CabinetJulie Minister. Bishop mp Female suffrage was a priority for, and longest serving female parliamentarian in the Commonwealth Parliament. mobilised many women in the liberal The first woman to be elected as a Senator for New South Wales and movement, many of whomthe were liberal well party of australia: First woman Minister for First woman to hold a rural electorate First woman to hold a science portfolio educated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard yearsVeteran’s (1996 -Affairs 2007) First woman Minister for Small Businesslongest serving female parliamentarian in the Commonwealth Parliament. public life. Within a short time, women’s the hon Bronwyn Bishop mp political organisations were formed to the hon Fran Bailey support the liberal cause. The first woman to be elected as a Senator for New South Wales and In 1901, women in South Australia and First female Liberal candidate to be elected to a Victorian House of Western Australia already had the vote longest serving female parliamentarian| Liberal inWomen: the Commonwealth A Proud History Parliament. of Firsts and were able to participate in the first Representatives seat and12 the first woman to hold a rural electorate. Federal Election of the newly formed nation. 12 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Women were already playing significant roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) THE PRESENT Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the 12election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to the hon Bronwyn Bishop mp existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate The first woman to be elected as a Senator for New South Wales and due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women longest serving female parliamentarian in the Commonwealth Parliament. an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 14 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 15 Women also took on a greater role in The Howard Years working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide12 League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts In September 2015, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Senator Michaelia Cash announced the THE PRESENT $100 million Women’s Safety Package, a key part of our longer term response to addressing violence against women. This was followed, in 2016, by the $100 million Third Action Plan under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (2016 – 2019) and funding for the advertising Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott with campaign ‘Stop it at the Start’, Community Legal Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. Centres and specialist domestic violence units. The Another key focus of the Government is to enable Government remains committed to reducing family women to take on leadership roles both on violence with funding for women’s safety measures Government boards and in the private sector. As well in excess of $300 million. at 31 December 2017, 44.5 per cent of Australian Boosting women’s workforce participation has also Government board positions were held by women, been a priority for the Government given it is the key exceeding our previous gender diversity target of 40 way of strengthening women’s economic security. It per cent. The Government, however, is not complacent Malcolm Turnbull with current female Liberal Cabinet Ministers; Senator the Hon Marise Payne; The was under Australia’s presidency in 2014 that the G20 and has set an ambitious but achievable target of Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP; The Hon Julie Bishop MP; and Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash. committed to the goal of reducing the gender gap in women holding 50 per cent of Australian Government participation rates by 25 per cent by 2025. Female board positions. In recent times, the Coalition Government has National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women participation in Australia is at record levels with more The Government has also partnered with a number made it a priority to enable women to lead secure and their Children (2013–2016) was launched, women in work than ever before. In order that we of leading organisations such as the Wirrpanda lives in safe communities, to further women’s supported by $100 million in funding over four continue to improve female financial security, both now Foundation, the Australian Institute of Company economic independence and security, and to years. The Plan included initiatives such as the and into retirement, the Minister for Women will deliver a Directors and the Australian Mines and Metals increase the number of women in leadership roles development and testing of a prototype for a Women’s Economic Security Statement in Spring 2018. in both the private and public sector. National Domestic Violence Order Scheme Association to help lift the representation of women and funding for 1800RESPECT, Australia’s The boost in female participation has been driven in leadership roles by providing scholarships and The Government is determined to reduce the rates first national professional telephone and online by policies such as the Jobs for Families Child support for education and mentoring. of violence against women and their children. In counselling service for those affected by violence. Care Package, which is aimed at making child care While undertaking this important work, the Liberal June 2014, the Second Action Plan under the more affordable and accessible. The Government is Party has remained focussed on our own endeavours In 2015, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott investing an additional $2.5 billion in funding for child to support more women into Parliament. Many of announced that addressing violence against care through the package, which is expected to benefit the state divisions of the Liberal Party currently run women would be a COAG priority. He also around one million families. announced the establishment of the COAG seminars, training courses and mentoring programs Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against The Government has also looked at other ways of for talented women with political aspirations. In Women and their Children, with Rosie Batty and improving women’s financial security and consulted Victoria, for example, there is the Dame Elizabeth former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Ken with women and business on how to address Couchman Scholarship to provide opportunities The Early Liberal MovementLay, as founding members. The Government and women’s superannuation imbalances which arise, in for women to broaden their political understanding

Prior to the formation of the TheCOAG 19th Century also liberal movementlaunched policy a $30 million campaign no small part, due to their caring responsibilities. The and knowledge. There is also extensive work being modern Liberal Party of Australia of equal education for boys and girls was Government also launched the Women’s Money Toolkit in 1944, there was an active liberal a keyaimed reform that at transformed reducing the nation. the incidence of family and undertaken at the Federal level to coordinate these movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved quickly to secure voting rights for women in 2014, a free online resource providing practical tools state-run programs and to develop a national strategy influence in shaping modern domestic violence. around the Commonwealth. The Coalition Leadership Team:Australia. Julie Bishop MP, for women to manage their finances. to help potential female candidates succeed. Malcolm Turnbull MP, Michael McCormack MP, Female suffrage was a priority for, and mobilised many womenthe in the liberal liberal party of australia: Senator Bridget McKenzie. movement, many of whom were well educated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) public life. Within a short time, women’s political organisations were formed to support the liberal cause. In 1901, women in South Australia and Western Australia already had the vote and were able to participate in the first Federal Election of the newly formed nation. Women were already playing significant roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) THE PRESENT Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 16 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 17 Women also took on a greater role in 2013 Onwards working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Key Policy A Proud History of achievements firsts 2013 - present June 2014 Women’s Money Toolkit launched Second Action Plan under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (2013–2016) launched January 2015 COAG Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against Women and their Children established March 2015 $30 million in state and federal funding for a public awareness campaign on domestic violence announced May 2015 Child Care Subsidy and Child Care Safety Net announced in the 2015–2016 Budget Families Package July 2015 Office of the eSafety Commissioner established September 2015 $100 million committed to the Women’s Safety Package THE HON SENATOR THE HON SENATOR THE HON THE HON December 2015 Initiatives to support women into STEM Julie Bishop mp Marise Payne Michaelia Cash kelly o'dwyer mp COAG agreement to introduce a National Domestic Violence Order (DVO) Scheme First woman Foreign Minister First woman First woman Minister assisting First woman to sit in cabinet March 2016 Target of women holding 50 per cent of positions on government boards Defence Minister the Prime Minister for the Public in a treasury portfolio announced Service First woman Cabinet April 2016 ‘Stop it at the Start’ national campaign aimed at reducing violence against women Minister to give birth while launched in office October 2016 A further $100 million committed to the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010–2022 March 2017 Legislated the new Child Care Package investing an additional $2.5 billion benefitting nearly one million Australian families May 2017 Over $55 million in funding for family legal assistance services announced $1.5 billion per year for new National Housing and Homelessness Agreement announced October 2017 Pilot online complaints portal for people affected by non-consensual sharing of intimate images launched December 2017 Legislation to improve the family law system’s response to family violence SENATOR THE HON introduced nola Natasha Enhancing Online Safety (Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Bill 2017 Concetta marino mp Griggs introduced Fierravanti-Wells First woman appointed to the First woman member of the February 2018 Additional $440 million in funding to support universal access to pre-school for all position of Chief Government House of Representatives to First woman Minister for children in 2019 announced, on top of the $428 million announced in the 2017– Whip in the House of represent the Northern Territory International Development 2018 Budget to continue support for pre-school throughout 2018 Representatives The Early Liberal Movement and the Pacific Record women’s workforce participation rate of 60.6 per cent achieved May 2018 AnPrior additional to the formation $54.4 of the million toThe services 19th Century liberalfor women movement policy affected by violence and online modern Liberal Party of Australia of equal education for boys and girls was safetyin 1944, thereinitiatives was an active liberal a key reform that transformed the nation. movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved Record investment in the healthquickly toof secure Australians voting rights for with women measures to support women influence in shaping modern around the Commonwealth. atAustralia. every life stage including a digital baby book; access to whooping cough vaccines during pregnancy; Femaleincreased suffrage was investment a priority for, and to tackle endometriosis and mobilised many women in the liberal gestational diabetes and themovement, listing manyof advanced of whomthe were liberal well breast party cancer of australia: medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schemeeducated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) public life. Within a short time, women’s political organisations were formed to support the liberal cause. In 1901, women in South Australia and Western Australia already had the vote and were able to participate in the first Federal Election of the newly formed nation. Women were already playing significant roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) the present Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 18 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 19 Women also took on a greater role in 2013 Onwards working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Looking ahead

The Liberal Party values women and men as co-contributors to the economic and social wellbeing of our dynamic nation.

Whatever a woman’s circumstances and aspirations, she should have the opportunity to live the life of her choice, free from violence and discrimination, and safe in the knowledge that her gender will be no barrier.

In spite of the many rights and privileges Australian women enjoy today, there is still more that can be done to overcome the challenges women face both here and abroad. As a party, our priorities are to enable women to lead secure lives in safe communities, improve flexibility in child care and working arrangements, and further economic independence and stability.

We also continue to be committed to promoting Liberal women into parliament, and have set a target of having 50 per cent female representation in both houses of Parliament by 2025. To help us achieve this goal, we have established the ‘Enid Lyons Fighting Fund ’ for Liberal women to give female candidates the financial backing they need to run for Parliament. This recognises the particular fiscal challenges that potential female candidates sometimes face in making a contribution to the The Early Liberal Movement nation’s Parliament.

Prior to the formation of the The 19th Century liberal movement policy modern Liberal Party of Australia of equal education for boys and girls was We, both women and men, are inspired by the in 1944, there was an active liberal a key reform that transformed the nation. movement that had a significant The early liberal movement then moved many milestones achieved by and for women in quickly to secure voting rights for women influence in shaping modern around the Commonwealth. our party’s history. We look forward to continuing Australia. Female suffrage was a priority for, and mobilised many women in the liberal to build on our proud history of firsts. movement, many of whomthe were liberal well party of australia: educated and willing to beginnings participate in to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) public life. Within a short time, women’s political organisations were formed to support the liberal cause. In 1901, women in South Australia and Western Australia already had the vote and were able to participate in the first Federal Election of the newly formed nation. Women were already playing significant roles in the organisationsThe Liberal that Party later was led founded to on October 16, 1944 after a three-day conference in Albury in NSW. • Prime Minister John Howard pictured with his incoming team of women after the successful the formation of the Liberal Party. Liberal 1996 Federal Election. A proud history The Early Liberal Movement the liberalAt the Albury party Conference of in 1944, australia: where in the creation beginnings of the Federal Women’s to 1996 The howard years (1996 - 2007) the present Looking ahead • The Australian Women’s National League men were also active in encouraging the structure of the modern Liberal Party Committee at the Party’s meeting of the at its peak had 500 branches and more Under the Prime Ministership of The Coalition’s historic 1996 election women to organise politically.was determined In contrast, and the Constitution Federal Council in August 1945. than 54,000 members across Australia. victory was accompanied by the election the Australian Labor Party,adopted, already Robert Menzies in said: John Howard from 1996 to 2007 Just over a year later, the Federal the Liberal Party of Australia’s of 26 female Members and Senators to existence, was far less “Womenfocussed are unquestionablyon destined Women’s Committee was incorporated strong tradition of supporting and Parliament. to exercise more and more influence female political participation and suffrage, into the constitution of the Liberal Party improving the position of women The Howard Government recognised the upon practical politics in Australia... In and in doing so secured representation for commitment of females to fully participate due to its trade union rootsthe educating dominated of the electorateby in liberal in Australia continued. women on the Party’s Federal Executive. in the workforce and in education and men. ideas they have for many years been training. During this period, more women an effective force. Now we have an The Federal Constitution of the Party than men completed Year 12 and In 1902 Mrs Hilma Molyneuxorganisation Parkes, in which who all distinctions was altered to enshrine the position of a participated in higher levels of education. 20 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts had been a leader in thehave New gone, South and with Wales men and women female Vice President of the Party. | 21 Women also took on a greater role in Looking Ahead working equally for the one body...” When elected Prime Minister in 1949, Suffrage League, formed the Women’s business and industry throughout the From the very beginning of the Party’s Menzies oversaw the amendment of the Liberal League (NSW). The League fought Howard Government, with nearly 32 per operations, Dame Enid Lyons and Liberal Party’s policy platform to include: cent of small businesses around the hard and was ultimatelyDame successful Elizabeth Couchman in had a great • equality of opportunity, liberties and country being operated by women. winning the right for womeninfluence to on beour policies and structure. status for men and women; and equal Dame Elizabeth successfully negotiated a The Howard Government committed itself pre-selected as candidates for Parliament. freedom to engage in all civic and deal with Menzies to merge the Australian to an Australia where women were full political activities in the community; In 1903 the AustralianWomen’s Women’s National National League with the Liberal and active participants in all spheres of Party, and both women played a core role public and private life, and held a wide League (AWNL) was formed in Victoria range of decision-making positions. From 1996 the number of women on Australian Government boards and bodies increased 4 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts 6 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts to over 33 per cent.

10 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts coalition women 2018

22 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts | 23 Current female coalition MPs & Senators

THE HON Julie Bishop mp Member for CURTIN SENATOR THE HON concetta fierravanti-wells senator for NSW Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party; Minister for International Development and the Pacific Minister for Foreign Affairs History: Senior Lawyer; Australian Government Solicitor History: Managing Partner of a national commercial law firm

SENATOR THE HON bridget Mckenzie senator for VIC THE HON karen andrews mp Member for MCPHERSON Deputy Leader of the Nationals; Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Minister for Sport; Minister for Regional Communications; History: Mechanical engineer; Human resources and industrial relations consultant Minister for Rural Health History: High school teacher; University academic

SENATOR THE HON Marise Payne senator for NSW THE HON melissa price mp Member for durack Minister for Defence Assistant Minister for the Environment History: National Young Liberals’ first female president; Political adviser; Public affairs adviser History: Lawyer; Senior roles in private law practice and at agricultural and resources companies

SENATOR THE HON michaelia cash senator for WA THE HON Jane Prentice mp MEMBER for RYA N Minister for Jobs and Innovation Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services History: Employment and Industrial Relations lawyer History: Brisbane City Councillor (and Civic Cabinet); Owner and Managing Director of a convention and event management business

THE HON kelly o'dwyer mp Member for HIGGINS SENATOR THE HON anne ruston senator for SA Minister for Revenue and Financial Services; Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Minister for Women; History: Owner of Ruston’s Roses, Australia’s largest rose garden; Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service CEO of National Wine Centre History: Corporate lawyer; Banking executive

24 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Current Coalition MPs & Senators | 25 nola marino mp Member for FORREST Senator Jane Hume Senator for vic Chief Government Whip Chair of Economics Legislation Committee; History: Dairy farmer; Small business owner Deputy Chair of Economics References Committee History: Senior superannuation policy adviser; Senior banking and funds management executive

Michelle Landry mp Member for Capricornia Chief Nationals Whip; THE HON susan ley mp Member for FARRER Chair of Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources Chair of Joint Standing Committee on the National Broadband Network History: Small business owner; Banking officer; Electorate officer History: Farmer; Commercial pilot; Air traffic controller; Tax professional

Julia Banks mp Member for Chisholm Chair of Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs SENATOR Linda Reynolds CSC senator for WA History: Lawyer; Chief General Counsel and Company Secretary in Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee; leading global organisations Chair of Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters; Chair of Standing Committee on Publications; Deputy Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Nicolle Flint mp Member for Boothby Deputy Chair of Joint Committee on Publications History: Army Reserve Officer; Army Adjutant General; Deputy Director Liberal Party History: Policy advisor to Federal and State Liberal Party leaders; Policy advisor at a major business association; Columnist; Research fellow SENATOR aMANDA STOKER senator for QLD History: Lawyer; Associate with a Justice of the High Court

Senator Lucy Gichuhi senator for sa Chair of Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Deputy Chair of Education and Employment References Committee; Deputy Chair of Select Committee on the Future of Work and Workers ann sudmalis mp Member for gilmore History: Lawyer; Accountant; Auditor Chair of Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs History: Councillor, Kiama Municipal Council; High school science teacher; Sarah henderson mp Member for corangamite Company director, fudge-making business Chair of Standing Committee on Economics History: Journalist; Lawyer lucy wicks mp Member for robertson Chair of Standing Committee on Petitions History: Teacher; Electorate officer and adviser; Corporate Affairs; Government Relations

26 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Current Coalition MPs & Senators | 27 Further Information: If you are interested in further information Furtheron the women Information: of the Liberal Party, or the Party itself, we would recommend the Iffollowing you are books: interested in further information on Liberal women, or the The Menzies Era Liberal Party of Australia, we would John Howard, 2014. recommend the following books: So Many Firsts: Liberal Women from TheEnid ForgottenLyons to the People Turnbull, Era, RobertMargaret Menzies, Fitzherbert, 1943. 2009. Liberal Women: Women: Federation Federation to 1949, to 1949 , Margaret Fitzherbert, 2004. Margaret Fitzherbert, 2004. The Forgotten People, SoRobert Many Menzies, First: 1943.Liberal Women from Enid Lyons to the Turnbull Era, Margaret Fitzherbert, 2009.

Authorised by Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Suite 1, 1343 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144. Printed by [insert printer name and street adddress here]. March 2016 28 | Liberal Women: A Proud History of Firsts Authorised by Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Suite 1, 1343 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144. Printed by Elect Printing, 112 Wollongong St, Fyshwick ACT 2609.