Cabinet Minute Decision No

CABINET MINUTE DECISION NO .

BRISBANE,

SUBJECT: ___E_s_t _a_b_l_i_s_h_m_e_n_t_o_f_a_ W_o_m_e_n_'_s_P_o_l_i_c_y_U_n_i_t_ a_n_d_ W_o_m_e_n_'_s____ _ I n f or mation Serv ice.

(Submission No. 003Cf? a.m. 6 e; Copies Received at II -tJO ~ - / rt, / 5 /19 Cf O QeJSS. Copies - Made CIRCULATION DETAILS

1 MR. GOSS 21 Premier ' s

2 22 MR. BURNS Housin - 3 23 MR. MACKENROTH Pol ice

4 24 Treasury

- 5 25 Tourism, Spor MR. GIBBS & Racin

6 MR. HAMILL 26 Tran sport £ o~y of releva. n~ 7 MR. WARBURTON 27 DEVET & IA hed 8 28 MR. VAUGHAN Resource Indu 9 MR. CASEY 29 Primary

- MR. McELLIGOTT 10 30 Health

11 31 MR. BRADDY Education

- 12 MR. 32 COMBEN Env & Heritag

13 MR. WELLS 33 Attorney-Gene

14 34 Fam Serv & MS. WARNER Ab&Is Affr 15 MR. MILLINER 35 Just.ice

16 36 Admin 17 37 MR. SMITH Manuf &

18 MR. EATON 38 Land

19 39

20 Master File 40 ,------

Department of the Premier, "' Economic and Trade Development

The Secretary of Cabinet, 13th Floor, Executive Building, 100 George Street, BRISBANE

Dear Sir, - Enclosed are 50 copies of a Cabinet Submission entitled:- Establishment of a Women's Policy Unit and Women's - Information Service A total of 51 copies of the Submission have been produced.

I have arranged distribution of the Submission:-

Copy No. Department/Branch Officer - 51 CLLO G. Kross - 4 For further information, please contact me on telephone 224 6063.

Cabinet Legislation and Liaison Office r

Date: 18th May, 1990 I ( a...... ___./

Executive Building, 100 George SITeet, Brisbane. Q. 4000, Australia. PO Box 185 North Quay. Q. 4002, Australia. Phone: 07 224 2111 ISD: 6172242111 Telex: AA 144599, 144567 Facsimile: 07-229 2990 Copy No. 20

C O N F I D E N T I A L

C A B I N E T M I N U T E Brisbane, 28 May 1990 Decision No. 00409 Submission No. 00398 TITLE: .Establishment of a Women's Policy Unit and Women's Information Service.

CAB I NET decided:- -1. That in relation to the establishment of a women's policy unit and women's information service: (a ) The name of the Office of Women's Affairs be changed to the Women's Policy Branch and that this Branch consist of two - sections to be called the Women's Policy Section and Women's Infolink. (b) The Women's Policy Branch form part of the Policy Co-ordination Division within the Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade Development. (c) The Women's Policy Branch be responsible for implementing Government policy to improve the position of women in Queensland through: - (i) The development of policy options and policy advice; monitoring the impact of specific policies upon women; liaison with other Government Departments and co-ordination across Departments; participation in the development and assessment of submissions and advice for the Premier and through the Premier to Cabinet; - and liaison with other Governments (Commonwealth, State and local) and non-government organisations. (ii) The provision of information and referral services for women and the development of strategies to maximise women's access to information. (d) An Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) on Women's Policy be established and chaired by the Director-General, Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade Development (or his nominee). . .. 2/ - 2 - Decision No. 00409

(e) The head of the Branch be known as the Director and Women's Adviser to the Premier and that the position be a senior one with a level determined by CED assessment. (f) The positions of Policy Co-ordinator and Manager of Women's Infolink be created with levels determined by CED assessment. (g) The staffing establishment for the Branch be determined at - 12. (h) The funding requirement for the Branch in 1990-91 be considered in the context of the 1990-91 State Budget. -2. That the Director of the Women's Policy Branch and Women's Adviser to the Premier prepare (once appointed), as a priority for Cabinet consideration, a Submission on advisory and consultative processes in relation to women in Queensland. 3. That further consideration be given to establish a Women's Infolink office in Townsville with resulting funding requirements to be considered in the context of the 1991-92 State budgeting process. - CIRCULATION: Implementation Responsibility Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade Development and copy to Premier. Departmental Records Treasury Department. Public Sector Management Commission. Department of Housing and Local Government. - Department of Employment, Vocational Education, Training and Industrial Relations. Department of Health. Department of Education. Department of the Attorney-General. Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs. Perusal and Return All other Ministers and Chief Executives.

Certified True Copy Secretar CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE 00398 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION •c• SUBMISSION NO:

CABINET SUBMISSION COPY NO: 20

COVER SHEET

TITLE Establishment of a women's policy unit and women's information service.

MINISTER Premier, Minister for Economic and Trade Development and Minister for the Arts.

PURPOSE/ISSUES (INCLUDING RELATION TO GOVERNMENT POLICY) To establish a women's policy unit and information service with the capacity to carry out the Government's objective of improving the position of women in Queensland, consistent with the - Government's economic and social objectives. OBJECTIVE or SUBMISSION To gain Cabinet approval for the functions, structure, staffing and budget of the Office of Women's Affairs, to be renamed the - Women's Policy Branch. URGENCY It is six months since the Government came to of fice. Queensland women, women's organisations and community groups are waiting keenly for the Government to establish a women's unit.

CONSULTATION The draft Cabinet Submission was circulated to the Departments of Treasury; Education; Attorney-General; Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs; Health; Employment, Vocational - Education, Training and Industrial Relations; and Housing and Local Government; and to the Public Sector Management Commission. RESULTS or CONSULTATION Departments were generally strongly supportive of, or had no - objections to the establishment of the Women's Policy Branch. The Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs noted the need for full media coverage if the Branch's establishment is approved by Cabinet. The Department also suggested that it would be appropriate to review the need for additional staff for the Branch after 12 months' operation, in view of the broad scope of the Branch's functions. Although the Department of Employment, Vocational Education, Training and Industrial Relations felt that the proposal could be supported, some concern was expressed about effective liaison processes and staffing for the Branch.

This document is the property of the Government that created it and is held in trust by the Public Service. • It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office. _, . COPRINT CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CABIN ET-IN-CONFIDENCE

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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Costs Capital Recurrent Total $ $ $ This financial year 1989-90 7000 43100 50100 Next financial year 1990-91 241000 726000 967000 Subsequent years 827000 827000 Are costs agreed with Treasury? Treasury raised no objection to the establishment of the Branch on the basis that overall staffing and funding be determined during the Budget process. Source of funds For 1989-90, existing funds of Department of Premier, Economic - and Trade Development. From 1990-91 onwards, funds will be sought in Budget process. Budget implications - Additional funds of $967000 for 1990-91 required. PUBLIC PRESENTATION Is a draft media release attached? Yes, at Attachment 4. Are an further ste s necessar before makin an announcement (e.g., further consu tation? No. What eneral or sectional su ort can be ex ected? - Women and women's organisations wi 1 we comet e establishment of the Women's Policy Branch, including the information service. What criticism is antici ated and how will it be answered? There may be concern about the de ay in esta is ing an a visory - process. The Government recognises the importance of effective advisory processes and wishes to fully explore all options before a final decision is made on this matter. The establishment of the Women's Policy Branch should not be delayed pending the establishment of advisory processes.

This document is the property of the Government that created it and is held in trust by the Public Service. $ It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office. COP/l/HT CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CABINET-IN-CONF DENCE

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. I recommend the following in relation to the establishment of a women's policy unit and women's information service:

(a) that the name of the Office of Women's Affairs be changed to the Women's Policy Branch and that this Branch consist of two sections to be called the Women's Policy Section and WOMEN'S INFOLINK;

(b) that Cabinet note that the Women's Policy Branch will form part of the Policy Co-ordination Division within the Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade Development;

(c) that the Women's Policy Branch be responsible for implementing Government policy to improve the position of women in Queensland through:

(i) the development of policy options and policy advice; monitoring the impact of specific policies upon women; liaison with other Government Departments and co-ordination across Departments; participation in the development and assessment of submissions and advice for the Premier and Cabinet; and liaison with other Governments (Commonwealth, State and local) and non-government organisations; and

(ii) the provision of information and referral services for women and the development of - strategies to maximise women's access to information;

( d) that an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) on Women's Policy be established and chaired by the - Director-General, Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade Development;

(e) that the head of the Branch be known as the Director and Women's Adviser to the Premier and that the position be created at a high level Band 3;

This document is the property of the Government that created it and is held in trust by the Public Service. It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office .

COPRINT.. CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE

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(f) that the position of Policy Co-ordinator be created at a low level Band 3; and that a position of Manager of WOMEN'S INFOLINK be created at I-13 level;

(g) that the staffing establishment for the Branch be determined at 12; and (h) that the funding requirement for the Branch in 1990-91 and 1991-92 be considered in the context of the 1990-91 State Budget. 2. I recommend that the Director of the Women's Policy Branch and Women's Adviser to the Premier prepare, as a priority for Cabinet consideration, an options paper on advisory and consultative processes in relation to women in - Queensland. 3. I recommend that in-principle agreement be given to undertake negotiations regarding the establishment of another WOMEN'S INFOLINK office in Townsville in the - 1991-92 financial year.

w. K. Goss Premier, Minister for Economic and Trade Development and - Minister for the Arts 15 May 1990

This document is the property of the Government that created it and is held in trust by the Public Service. § It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office. COPRINT CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CABIN ET-IN-CONFIDENCE

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION •c•

CABINET SUBMISSION

BODY OF SUBMISSION

BACKGROUND 1. A commitment to establish a women's policy unit and an information service formed an important part of our women's policy, "Opening New Doors for Women". 2. On 7 December 1989 the Office of Women's Affairs was created by Order in Council as part of the Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade Development.

3. Since then, I have made public statements advising of the imminent establishment of a women's unit and signalling some of its likely functions in relation to policy - development and co-ordination. In April this year I established a Women's Policy Implementation Unit.

4. The Labor Women's Caucus was consulted and prepared a report on establishing a women's policy unit. That - material has been fully considered in the development of my position.

ISSUES/OBJECTIVES 5. The objective of this Submission is to establish the most effective unit capable of carrying out the Government's policy to improve the position of women in Queensland.

6. This Submission deals with the policy and information functions of such a unit. I propose to bring forward at a - later date a separate submission on consultative and advisory processes which would enable the views of Queensland women to be brought to the attention of the Government. As it is important to ensure that the most effective consultative mechanisms are developed, a - detailed investigation of this matter will be undertaken as the basis of further recommendations.

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Women's Policy Branch

Departmental Structure

7. It is my view that the Office of Women's Affairs should be re-named the Women's Policy Branch. It should consist of two sections to be named the Women's Policy Section and WOMEN'S INFOLINK.

8. I propose to place the Women's Policy Branch in the Policy Co-ordination Division of my Department . Social, economic and legislative policy will form other discrete policy Branches in that Division. This structure takes into account the Branch's significant functions of policy and co-ordination, and its position as the source of high - level advice for the Government on women's policy. Placing it with other significant policy advisory areas will promote greater co-ordination of advice to the - Government . Functions

9. The Women's Policy Branch will have two major functions involving policy analysis and information provision. It will have a catalytic role and an outreach focus. The Branch will produce and distribute policy papers and information material. - Policy: 10. It will oversight the development and implementation of Government policies to improve the position of women in Queensland. The Branch also will have a consultative and co-ordination role in relation to policies and programs - which affect women and for which the prime responsibility rests with other units in my Department or with other Departments.

11. The policy role of the Women's Policy Branch will involve the development of policy options and advice; monitoring the impact of specific policies upon women; liaison with other Government Departments and co-ordination across Departments; participation in the development and assessment of submissions and advice for the Premier and Cabinet; and liaison with the Commonwealth Government, other State Governments, local government authorities and with non-government organisations.

This document is the property of the Government that created it and is held in trust by the Public Service. It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office .

COPRINT.. CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE

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12. I note that some other Departments have already established, or are in the process of establishing, units whose focus will include aspects of women's policy. The Women's Policy Branch will have a consultative, co-ordination and support role in relation to these areas.

13. In order to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to implementing women's policy, I propose to establish an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), to be chaired by the Director-General of my Department. The role of the IDC on Women's Policy will be to work with the Women's Policy Branch in the smooth implementation of its role as outlined in paragraph 11. Its initial task will be to carry out an audit of Departments to determine existing relevant policies, programs and Departmental procedures.

Information Services:

14. To meet women's needs for access to adequate information, - a shop-front women's information and referral service will be established in central Brisbane in conjunction with the operation of an "008" line. I propose that this service be named WOMEN'S INFOLINK.

15. The information requirements of women are diverse and include health, employment, welfare, housing, child care, education and the law. In addition, their requirements vary according to many factors such as racial background, income, age and family status.

- 16. It is not possible for one service to provide detailed information on every matter of concern to women. However, an effective information and referral service which is centrally located and with appropriate expertise and - resources can provide support, basic information and referral to an appropriate source for further assistance. 17. The role of WOMEN'S INFOLINK will include a community education role involving the utilisation of existing community networks, seminars, the preparation and distribution of information and other relevant activities. The Manager of the service will have significant responsibility in determining effective strategies regarding the provision of information, support and referral services to women throughout Queensland, including women in rural, remote and metropolitan areas.

This document is the property of the Government that created it and is held in trust by the Public Service. 6 It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office. COPRINT CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CAB IN ET-IN-CON Fl DENCE

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18. In view of the large size and decentralised population in Queensland, it is proposed that another WOMEN'S INFOLINK office be established in 1991-92. It is proposed to place the INFOLINK office in Townsville to service the north, far north and north-west Queensland. In-principle agreement is sought to undertake negotiations with relevant local organisations in Townsville about this proposal and the feasibility of cost sharing arrangements. At this stage, I am not seeking operational and salary costs pending the outcome of these negotiations.

Staffing 19. The position of the Director of the Women's Policy Branch has special significance, carries many difficult - responsibilities and has a critical role in the development of policy advice and the public presentation of Government policies and information. I therefore propose to create the Director at a high Band 3 level in - recognition of these aspects of the position. 20. The head of the Branch will be known as the Director and Women's Adviser to the Premier.

21. There will be two sections within the Branch: the Women's Policy Section headed by a Policy Co-ordinator and WOMEN'S INFOLINK headed by a Manager. To support the work of the Branch, I propose staffing of five policy officers and - three information officers, with three support staff. 22. These staffing arrangements are similar to women's units in other States. Attachment 2 details the staffing and functions of women's units in other Commonwealth, State - and Territory Governments. 23. The responsibilities of the Branch span a very broad range of social and economic issues. It will be essential for the Branch to have the flexibility to obtain specialist knowledge and expertise in relation to specific issues and projects for time limited periods. I propose to make provision for this in the Branch's budget.

This document is the property of the Government that cre_ated it a_nd is held in trust by the P~blic Service. It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office. ~ COPRINT CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CAB IN ET-IN-CONFIDENCE

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Funding 24. The branch will require additional funding for 1990/91; $241000 establishment costs and $726000 recurrent costs. Details at Attachment 3, Page 1, Tables 1 and 2.

URGENCY 25. It is six months since the Government came to office. Queensland women, women's organisations and community groups are waiting keenly for the Government to fulfil its commitments to establish a women's policy unit and an information service. - CONSULTATION 26. The draft Cabinet Submission was circulated to the Departments of Treasury; Education; Attorney-General; Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs; Health; Employment, Vocational Education, Training and - Industrial Relations; and Housing and Local Government; and to the Public Sector Management Commission.

RESULTS OF CONSULTATION 27. Departments were generally strongly supportive of, or had no objections to the establishment of the Women's Policy Branch. The Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs noted the need for full media coverage if the Branch's establishment is approved by Cabinet. The Department also suggested that it would be - appropriate to review the need for additional staff for the Branch after 12 months' operation, in view of the broad scope of the Branch's functions. Although the Department of Employment, Vocational Education, Training and Industrial Relations felt that the proposal could be - supported, some concern was expressed about effective liai son processes and the extent and level of staffing for the Branch. The Department of Health noted that it would be appropriate for the new women's health unit to work closely with the Branch and be represented on the relevant Inter-Depart menal Committee.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS 28. The Branch will require f unding for 1990-91 of $967000 and $827000 in subsequent years.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION 29. A draft press release is at Attachment 4.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

30. I recommend the following in relation to the establishment of a women's policy unit and women's information service:

(a) that the name of the Office of Women's Affairs be changed to the Women's Policy Branch and that this Branch consist of two sections to be called the Women's Policy Section and WOMEN'S INFOLINK;

( b) that Cabinet note that the Women's Policy Branch will form part of the Policy Co-ordination Division within the Department of the Premier, Economic and Trade Development;

( C ) that the Women's Policy Branch be responsible for - implementing Government policy to improve the position of women in Queensland through:

(i) the development of policy options and policy advice; monitoring the impact of specific - policies upon women; liaison with other Government Departments and co-ordination across Departments; participation in the development and assessment of submissions and advice for the Premier and Cabinet; and liaison with other Governments (Commonwealth, State and local) and non-government organisations; and

(ii) the provision of information and referral services for women and the development of strategies to maximise women's access to - information;

( d) that an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) on women's Policy be established and chaired by the Director-General, Department of the Premier, - Economic and Trade Development;

(e) that the head of the Branch be known as the Director and Women's Adviser to the Premier and that the position be created at a high level Band 3;

This document is the property of the Government that created it and is held in trust by the Public Service . ...!fj'[. It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office. COPRINT CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE

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(f) that the position of Policy Co-ordinator be created at a low level Band 3; and that a position of Manager of WOMEN'S INFOLINK be created at I-13 level;

(g) that the staffing establishment for the Branch be determined at 12; and

(h) that the funding requirement for the Branch in 1990-91 and 1991-92 be considered in the context of the 1990-91 State Budget.

31. I recommend that the Director of the Women's Policy Branch and Women's Adviser to the Premier prepare, as a priority for Cabinet consideration, an options paper on advisory - and consultative processes in relation to women in Queensland.

32. I recommend that in-principle agreement be given to undertake negotiations r~garding the establishment of - another WOMEN'S INFOLINK office in Townsville in the 1991-92 financial year. - -

This document is the property of the Government that cre_ated it a_nd is held in trust by the Pt!blic Service. $ It may not be copied or reproduced. For further information contact the Cabinet Office. COPRIHT CABINET-IN-CONFIDENCE ATTACHMENT 1

INTERNAL STRUCTURE or WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH

ORGANISATIONAL CHART or WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH

DIRECTOR & WOMEN'S ADVISER TO THE PREMIER (High Level Band 3) EXECUTIVE SECRETARY I I ICLERK I I POLICY CO-ORDINATOR MANAGER, (Low Level Band 3) INFORMATION SERVICES - (I-13) I I I I I I I I SENIOR SENIOR POLICY POLICY INFO. INFO. ADMIN. - POLICY POLICY OFFICER OFFICER OFFICER OFFICER ASSIST. OFFICER OFFICER (I-8) (1-5) (I-8) (I-5) (GR.l) (I-10) (I-10) - -

• ATTACHMENT 2

SIDlMARY: STATE/TERRITORY WOMEN'S POLICY AND INFORMATION STRUCTURES

INDICATIVE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT STAFFING FUNCTIONS

Commonwealth: Prime Minister First Assistant . policy The Office of and Cabinet Secretary . co-ordination the Status of ($104000 package) . information Women . 37 staff . programs . grants . secretariat . publications . Women's Budget Statement

New South Wales: Family and Director . policy Women's Community ($92000 package) . Cabinet Co-ordination Services . 15 staff . co-ordination Unit 2 seconded . secretariat . project . publications

Victoria: Premier and Director . policy Women's Policy Cabinet ($55000-$63000) . co-ordination Co-ordination . 9 staff . Cabinet . Women's Budget Statement -t . secretariat

South Australia: Premier Women's Adviser . policy Women's Advisers ($56000) . Cabinet Officer . 12 staff co-ordination . information . Women's Budget Statement

. tern Australia: Department of Director . policy Women's Interest the Cabinet ($50000) . Cabinet Branch . 12 staff . grants . information . co-ordination

-Tasmania: Premier and Manager . policy Office of Status Cabinet ($52000) . Cabinet of Women . 4 staff . information (and support) . co-ordination . grants

Northern Territory: Chief Minister Director . policy Office of Women's ($55484) . Cabinet Affairs . 4 staff • information . 2 seconded . co-ordination

Australian Capital Chief Minister Director . policy Territory: ($46000-$49000) . Cabinet Women's Unit . 4-5 staff . co-ordination . information . secretariat . Women's Budget Statement ATTACHMENT 3 WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH BUDGET

TABLE 1: Estimated Capital Costs, 1990-91

(i) WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH $ $

Motor Vehicle 15,000 Computers 12,000 Office Equipment 2,000 Facsimile 2,500 Office Costs 100,000

Total 131,500 132,000

(ii) WOMEN'S INFOLINK

Motor Vehicle $16,500 Computers 30,000 Office Costs 50,000 Facsimile 2,500 Office Equipment 4,000 Photocopier 5,000 "008" Line 300 - Total 108,300 109,000 SUB TOTAL 241,000 - TABLE 2: Estimated Recurrent Costs ( i ) WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH $

Salaries/Secondments*/Wages 404,000 Travel 25,000 Training/Seminars 9,000 Equipment Maintenance 2,000 Publications* 50,000 Incidentals 5,000 Motor Vehicle Costs 2,000 Official Functions/Seminars/ - Community Education* 20,000 Total 517,000 517000 - ( i i ) WOMEN'S INFOLINK $ Salaries/Wages 133,000 Travel 17,000 Training/Seminars 4,000 Equipment Maintenance 2,000 Rent 40,000 Incidentals 2,000 Motor Vehicle Costs 4,000 "008" Line 7,000

Total 209,000 209000

SUB TOTAL 726,000

TOTAL 967,000

* These are Branch funds which will be accessed by both the Women's Policy Section and WOMEN'S INFOLINK. I ATTACHMENT 4 DRAFT PRESS RELEASE ON WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH . . STATEMENT BY MR WAYNE GOSS, M.L.A., PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND

THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT TODAY FORMALISED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH WHICH WILL BE HEADED BY THE WOMEN'S ADVISER TO THE PREMIER.

THE BRANCH WILL FORM PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER, ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENT AND WILL CONSIST OF A POLICY ADVISORY SECTION AND A SHOP-FRONT WOMEN'S INFORMATION SERVICE TO BE KNOWN AS "WOMEN'S INFOLINK".

THE POSITION OF DIRECTOR AND WOMEN'S ADVISER TO THE PREMIER WILL BE ADVERTISED NATIONALLY AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SEEKING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

"THE LABOR PARTY HAD PROMISED A WOMEN'S POLICY UNIT AND INFORMATION SERVICE AS IMPORTANT MEASURES TO HELP IMPROVE THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN QUEENSLAND.

"IN VIEW OF THE PAST NEGLECT OF WOMEN'S NEEDS, THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY PLEASED TO BE MEETING THIS PARTICULAR COMMITMENT.

"PLACING THE BRANCH IN MY OWN DEPARTMENT UNDERLINES MY OWN VERY - STRONG COMMITMENT TO QUEENSLAND WOMEN AND I LOOK FORWARD VERY MUCH TO WORKING WITH THE WOMEN'S ADVISER IN ACHIEVING OUR GOALS."

THE WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH WILL ASSIST IN PROVIDING ADVICE TO THE - GOVERNMENT ON THE NEEDS OF QUEENSLAND WOMEN ACROSS THE COMPLETE RANGE OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS.

WOMEN'S INFOLINK WILL PROVIDE A SHOP-FRONT WOMEN'S INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OPERATION OF AN "008" LINE.

IT WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN ENSURING THAT ACCESS BY QUEENSLAND WOMEN TO SERVICES AND TO GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE ARE IMPROVED AND THAT WOMEN HAVE ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS. - THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO DECIDED TO UNDERTAKE FURTHER INVESTIGATION ABOUT THE BEST WAY OF ENSURING THAT THE VIEWS OF QUEENSLAND WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THROUGH ADVISORY PROCESSES.

- "WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT WE ESTABLISH THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROCESS FOR GAINING THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT OF THE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE OF QUEENSLAND WOMEN ON A BROAD RANGE OF IMPORTANT TOPICS."

THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE A FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING APPOINTMENTS TO THE WOMEN'S POLICY BRANCH IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: (07) 224 4500

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