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Dear NFAW members and supporters
This year seems to be racing away and we are almost at federal Budget time. Professor Helen Hodgson and others in the Social Policy Committee are gearing up for intensive analysis of the Budget with a gender lens, albeit without Kathy McDermott this year who is taking some family time. I too will be taking a short break from late next month until October and Sally Moyle has kindly agreed to be acting NFAW President.
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I recently reflected on ANZAC Day and I wish to share a few of these thoughts with you. The ANZACs built a legend that resonates to this day: they were ruthless, brave and courageous in battle and compassionate and collegiate when required ... but beyond them, what implications for us as a society? Reflecting on the role of women in peacekeeping and in wartime, I wish to share this guide “Australian Women at War” prepared by the Department of Veterans Affairs which is being used by schools as an educational guide, including to show the whole-of-society impacts of conflicts.
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It notes that women have been actively involved in peacekeeping since 1988, although it notes no female participation in the large exercise for the period, UNTAG (UN Transitional Assistance Group for Namibia). While that may be technically correct from a military personnel perspective, I note that as a young DFAT officer posted to southern Africa, it was my responsibility to meet the troops on arrival in Namibia. At that time, it represented the largest military deployment Australia had made since Vietnam, namely 300 personnel for engineering and electoral supervision. I too was an electoral supervisor (and other women) for that historic vote and if anyone is interested to read more of that experience, please see “Cooperating for peace : the global agenda for the 1990s and beyond” with lead editor, Gareth Evans https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/2894963.
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This year, with no end in sight for Russia’s war with Ukraine and the terrible conflict between Israel and Palestine, it is incumbent to reflect on the lessons that ANZAC Day memories can bring.
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Finally, a recent focus for several of us has been responding to a major inquiry by the Australian Tax Office into our Donor Gift Recipient Status (DGR). It was not specially directed to us - multiple organisations targeted but the demands for historical records and financial documents were nevertheless demanding. We have been advised unofficially that we are to continue with DGR status which is great.
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Looking ahead, we are preparing to discuss the slight modernisation of our constitution and a refresh of strategy and communications. We will be calling out to members for your input so stay tuned.
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Jane Madden
President | National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW)
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Congratulations to Sam Mostyn AO
Australia’s new Governor-General
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NFAW was pleased to welcome the recent appointment of Sam Mostyn AO as Australia’s new Governor-General. Ms Mostyn/Sam has been a champion for gender equality and an ally of NFAW for many years. We have talked to her about aspirations for the role and how she may use it for the community. NFAW’s statement can for found below.
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Pamela Denoon Lecture –
with Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality
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The challenge of achieving gender equality is a monumental one, but we must continue to strive towards it. According to some measures, it will take 131 years to reach full parity globally.
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That’s why it’s essential to have strong leaders who can advocate for change and outline a vision for achieving gender parity. Stephanie Copus Campbell, Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, is one such leader who is well placed to do just that.
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Recently, NFAW celebrated the annual Pamela Denoon Lecture, where Copus Campbell gave the keynote address. and inspired all attending with her brilliance, passion and vision for leadership on gender equality within the Australian Government and multilateral organizations.
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Prior to her current role, Copus Campbell worked across the public, private and philanthropic sectors, including as a founding Director on the Femili PNG Board providing services to family and sexual violence survivors.
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The Pamela Denoon Lecture is a partnership between the Denoon Family, the National Foundation for Australian Women, and the ANU Gender Institute. Achieving gender parity will take a community, and we’re excited to hear Copus Campbell’s insights on how we can all work together to make it happen. NFAW thank the Denoon family for their years of support in honour of Pamela Denoon one of our early trailblazers on gender equality here in Australia.
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NFAW supports calls for more funding to support Domestic Violence in Australia
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The crisis of domestic violence in Australia rages on, with Forbes woman, Molly Ticehurt, becoming the 25th woman violently killed this year. It was a relief this week finally to hear some of our leaders naming this scourge for what it is – it’s male violence. Recognising that it is men who commit this most of the violence in this society will help us think differently to support all men to step up and prevent other men from using violence against women they profess to love. We need governments at all levels to recognise this is as a crisis, and to accelerate funding and commitment to ensuring the whole system works together to stamp out domestic violence at all levels. NFAW joins the calls by many organisations for stronger government leadership and action in this area.
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The Gender Lens and the Budget in May 2024- Coming soon!
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The National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of Australian Women. It has long been committed to advancing gender equality. Each year since 2014 NFAW has examined the Federal Budget through a gender lens to critically assess the government's commitment to gender equality.
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In the Gender Lens on the 2023-24 Budget NFAW's Social Policy Committee comprehensively examined the details of budgetary across portfolios. Professor Hodgson, Chair said, ‘While progress is being made, there is still room for improvement in implementing measures that foster gender equality”.
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In the forthcoming 2024 Budget, NFAW will provide a deep dive across a range of portfolios that impact the lives of women in Australia, from a unique gender lens perspective, releasing a special report through our Gender Lens in the Budget report end of May 2024.
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Recapping, our 2023 gender analysis of the tax cuts and welfare measures showed that:
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- The plan promised to deliver $39 billion over four years to individuals earning over $200,000 per annum, with two-thirds of them being men (PBO, 2023).
- The total cost of $69 billion far exceeds the $14 billion allocated for the cost-of-living package aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged.
- The $9,000 annual tax reduction for individuals earning over $200,000 per year will be more than twice the increase in payments provided to eligible single parents earning under $30,000 per year.
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While the NFAW welcomed the Government's positive steps towards addressing women's economic wellbeing and safety, NFAW emphasized the need for further action noting that increasing revenue is crucial to securing funding for the growing costs of essential services and combating poverty. NFAW highlighted that the Government needed to take action on tax reform, including a thorough review of the Stage 3 Tax cuts.
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NFAW Canberra Event Sunday 7 April – The Difference Elected Women Make to Politics!
Thank you to all who joined us for an inspiring event recently in Canberra celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in politics! Did you know that the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) made history by appointing Chief Minister Rosemary Follett in 1989, marking the first time a jurisdiction was led by a woman? Fast forward to 2020, and the ACT Parliament achieved another milestone by having women members in the majority, a first in Australian parliamentary history!
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We heard from esteemed former Members of the Legislative Assembly, Annette Ellis (ALP), Giulia Jones (Canberra Liberals), and Caroline le Couteur (The Greens). They shared their insightful reflections on their experiences in politics and the significant impact that elected women have made in shaping our political landscape. Many thanks to the ACT Heritage Festival and the National Library of Australia for the unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and be inspired by these trailblazing women who have played pivotal roles in advancing gender equality in politics. Secure your spot now and be a part of this empowering event!
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We celebrate the ongoing efforts of the National Foundation for Australian Women to document and recognise women's contributions through the Australian Women’s Register. Link to the Australian Women’s Register: https://www.womenaustralia.info/
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Celebrating Trail Blazers in Australian History – Edith Cowan 1861 - 1932
Edith Cowan, the first woman to be elected to an Australian parliament in Western Australia in 1921, was described in her entry in Australian feminism, a companion, as ‘a committed, tireless and public campaigner for women’s and children’s rights from the early twentieth century’. Married at the age of seventeen to James Cowan, registrar and master of the Supreme Court, they had five children.
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She was the founding secretary in 1894 and later president of the Karrakatta Club, a women’s club in Perth, which campaigned for female suffrage. Her commitment to women’s well-being resulted in her active involvement in the establishment of the Western Australian National Council of Women in 1911. She was a foundation member of the Children’s Protection Society in 1906 and the first woman to be appointed to the Children’s Court bench in 1915. She became a Justice of the Peace in 1920. In the same year her work was acknowledged with her appointment to the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to the Western Australian division of the Red Cross Society, of which she was a founding member in 1914. A clock tower at the entrance to King’s Park in Perth was erected to her memory in 1934 and in 1995 her portrait was printed on the Australian fifty dollar note.
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Supporting NFAW into the Future
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"Empower Australian Women: Leave a Lasting Legacy with NFAW
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Your dedication to gender equality has played a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for Australian women. Today, we invite you to consider leaving a gift in your will to the National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) to extend your impact beyond your lifetime.
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Why Consider a Gift in Your Will?
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A gift, regardless of size, is a powerful statement of your values and a commitment to lasting change. It ensures your dedication to gender equality resonates for generations to come.
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Empowering Women Across Society
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NFAW is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of Australian women in all aspects of society. Your gift supports vital research, advocacy, education, and programs breaking down barriers to women's equality, fostering transformational change.
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Catalyst for Policy Change and Social Justice
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Your contribution supports NFAW's role as a catalyst for policy change, advocating for legislative and social reforms that advance women's rights. Your legacy invests in a future where women's voices are heard, respected, and acted upon.
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How Your Gift Makes a Difference
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Support groundbreaking research on gender issues, shaping policies that address pay disparity and violence against women.
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Leaving a gift to NFAW is a straightforward process. Consult a legal advisor to ensure your wishes are accurately reflected. Informing us allows us to thank you and keep you updated on the impact of your future gift.
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Your Legacy is Their Future
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By leaving a gift to NFAW, you're shaping the future for Australian women, ensuring your commitment to gender equality inspires change long after your lifetime. We're here to answer any questions about leaving a gift and how your legacy contributes to a more equitable future for all women.
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Thank you for considering this powerful way to support gender equality and women's rights. Together, we create a lasting legacy of change. Click here: https://nfaw.org/making-a-bequest/
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