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Message from the President Jane Madden
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A warm welcome to 2024 to NFAW members and friends.
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With Parliament returning and Australia Day (increasingly known as “Invasion Day” *) and the Australian Open Tennis behind us, it’s time for more serious work to resume.
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Before doing so, it’s worth reflecting on who our nation has celebrated through the Australia Day Honours. Our thanks and congratulations go to Melanoma treatment pioneers, Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, who have been named 2024 Australians of the Year, and also to Yalmay Yunupiŋu (Senior Australian), David Elliott (Local Hero) and Emma McKeon (Young Australian). In the General Division of the Order of Australia four ACs, 38 AOs, 194 AMs have been appointed to the Order, and 503 OAMs have been awarded.
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This is the second time in history more women (373 honours representing 50.5 % of awards) have comprised many recipients in the General Division. Public servants from the ACT, NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the NT and at the Commonwealth level were recognised. Amongst them was gender expert and NFAW’s close collaborator, Chantelle Stratford for her efforts to drive gender equality and women’s policy within the Australian Government. Other strong gender equality advocates recognised include Professor Kuntala Lahiri Dutt of the ANU and Jo Crawford with the International Women's Development Agency.
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As the Chair of the Council for the Order of Australia, Shelley Reys AO wrote last year:
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“We need to ensure gains are not lost and that the pipeline of nominations of women continues to flow to reach and sustain gender parity … encouraging both men AND women to nominate women will make a difference".
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To be very clear, the only barrier to outstanding people being recognised in the Order of Australia is the absence of a nomination. By nominating, we can all have a say in what sort of service and achievement should be celebrated. More information on the nomination process is available here.
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2024 promises to be a very interesting year. In this edition, you can read about some of the advocacy, submissions, and events NFAW has planned.
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We are delighted that laws compelling the publication of gender pay gap data for employers of 100 staff or more come into effect this month (February 2024) following legislation passed last year through leadership by Minister for finance, women and public service, Katy Gallagher. The changes to the Stage 3 tax cuts (under debate as I write this) also address a significant inequality at the heart of the original plan (men were projected to receive 67 per cent of the benefit, women 33 per cent – according to Australia Institute analysis). It is expected the new approach will benefit women and men more equitably.
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After months of consultation and discussion, NFAW is eagerly awaiting the imminent release of the National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality - a Strategy to guide whole-of-community action and a mechanism to elevate and prioritise actions that will achieve gender equality.
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May I wish you all a healthy, productive, and joyous year.
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*For more reading on Australia Day and other date options, please see this article:
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Jane Madden
President | National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW)
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The 2024 Pamela Denoon event with
Ambassador Stephanie Copus Campbell AM
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DIARY DATE: The 2024 Pamela Denoon Lecture
6.45pm on March 27, 2024, at the ANU.
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Get ready and mark your calendars because Ambassador Stephanie Copus Campbell AM, an influential advocate for Gender Equality, will be gracing the 2024 Pamela Denoon Lecture on March 27, 2024, at the ANU. With an extensive background spanning the public, private, philanthropic, and community sectors in Australia and the Indo Pacific, Ms. Copus Campbell brings a wealth of experience to the table.
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Having led Australia's bilateral aid programs and served in executive roles with organizations like CARE Australia and the Oil Search Foundation, Ms. Copus Campbell is a force to be reckoned with. Appointed as the Ambassador for Gender Equality by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, she stands as a prominent figure advocating for the human rights of women and girls.
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The Pamela Denoon Lecture, initiated in 1989 to honour the memory of Pamela Denoon, a stalwart champion of women's rights, serves as a powerful reminder of the strides made by women thanks to pioneers like her. Pamela's legacy, as the National Coordinator of Women’s Electoral Lobby and her dedication to promoting equality, continues to inspire. This impressive event aims to motivate and inspire women to engage with issues concerning women in Australia.
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Join us for an evening of enlightenment and empowerment, with refreshments starting at 5.00pm and the captivating lecture kicking off at 5.30pm.
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Stay tuned for the venue details and registration link, coming your way soon! Save the date and be part of a transformative experience.
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A Gender Lens Review of the Stage 3 Tax Cuts:
In conversation with Brianna Delahunty from the NFAW Social Policy Committee.
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Welcome to NFAW’s Gender Lens Podcast for February 2024, where we delve into the intricacies of the Stage 3 tax cuts with our insightful guest, Brianna Delahunty. As a member of our social policy committee and the policy and research manager at Chief Executive Women, Brianna brings a wealth of knowledge, shedding light on the evolving landscape of tax policies.
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Brianna begins by emphasizing the metaphorical significance of the stage three tax cuts, highlighting their profound impact on different socio-economic groups. Introduced by the Morrison government in 2019, these tax cuts removed the 37% tax bracket for those earning between $120,000 and $180,000, simultaneously lowering the marginal tax rate from 32.5% to 30%.
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Initially, these tax changes predominantly favoured higher-income individuals. However, the Government have ushered in a distribution change, with households in middle incomes now emerging as the primary beneficiaries of the tax cuts.
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The global context further amplifies the gendered implications of tax policies. Women, often facing higher poverty rates, reduced pay, and increased vulnerability to violence, have historically borne the brunt of spending cuts. Miranda Stewart's insights underscore the gendered nature of wealth distribution within tax brackets.
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The Australia Institute's research reflects the impact of stage 3 tax cuts on women, revealing that the proposed changes primarily benefit those in the top two tax brackets, where women are underrepresented. Brianna advocates for a gender equality perspective in tax reform, ensuring the tax code aligns with the needs of women and families.
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Reflecting on the initial Morrison-led tax cuts, Brianna notes their unfavourable impact on women and advocates for a gendered lens in policy reviews. The current landscape in February 2024, however, paints a more positive picture. Proposed changes to stage 3 show a more equitable distribution of benefits across the income spectrum, providing a certain level of protection and extending tax cuts to those in lower brackets—a direct benefit for women. In conclusion, Brianna underscores the importance of ongoing advocacy for gender-sensitive tax reform to foster a fair and supportive financial environment for all. As we navigate these intricate tax dynamics, the evolving policies present an opportunity to ensure a more inclusive and equitable future.
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More about Brianna Delahunty
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Brianna Delahunty boasts diverse work experience across roles and organizations, presently serving as the Policy and Research Manager at Chief Executive Women since August 2022 and sitting on the Social Policy Committee for NFAW. Previous positions include Communications Specialist at Komatsu Australia and roles in the non-profit sector, notably at White Ribbon Australia. Brianna holds a Bachelor's Degree in International and Global Studies and a Master's degree in International Law from the University of Sydney. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Law - JD at the University of Technology Sydney, Brianna is also engaged in a Juris Doctor program at the same institution.
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Congratulations - 2023 National History Challenge!
The National History Challenge (NHC) is a project supported by a large range of national institutions and organisations including the Federal Government which has now become the major backer. It is a schools-based project which last year had a participation of 700 schools and over 6,500 students, with the aim of encouraging students to study and understand their past. NFAW have sponsored the special category of "Australian Women" in the Challenge for over 12 years, with the focus of research projects to highlight the prominent and yet mainly overlooked role that women have played in the development of our nation.
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Each year the winner of the Challenge is presented with the award of Australian Young Historian of the Year by the Minister for Education in Parliament House Canberra. The 2023 winner was Micah Andrew from Tasmania with his analysis of the wartime career of his great uncle Cyril Emerson Hughes which can be found on the website of the Challenge (www.historychallenge.org.au) as can all the other winning entries in each category.
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Our category can be found on that website and the national winner was awarded to an exceptionally talented Year 7 student Grace Genford, also from Tasmania with an engaging video entry with primary research following the 2023 theme of "Change and Continuity".
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It highlighted the changing roles of women in theatre, becoming less constricted and stereotypical, and gender based, and she was presented her award by our patron the Hon Margaret Reid AO.
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Many thanks to the NFAW for supporting the 2023 National History Challenge and for attending the announcement event in Canberra.
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The theme for this coming year is "Crisis and Response", and again NFAW members can be involved in the Challenge either as judges or presenters in the State award ceremonies where they are often offered the opportunity to talk about our organisation.
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Leave a Lasting Legacy:
Why Your Gift in Will Matters to the National Foundation for Australian Women
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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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