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From the May 2025 federal election, one thing is very clear: the Labor Party under Anthony Albanese has won a decisive majority. We are a non-partisan organisation but the mirror of Australia that this election result reflects is fortunately one of thoughtful leadership and diverse community representation. The power of women and the female vote have been shown to be decisive factors. As well as a record proportion of women in Cabinet, Albanese Government policies such as the movement towards universal childcare support and government-backed wage increases in the care industries (whose workforce is dominated by women employees) were seen to be important. Our own independent analysis confirmed that the previous Government had placed gender equality at the centre of policymaking, yielding tangible benefits for all Australians. The 2024 Working for Women Strategy is the first national gender equality strategy for several decades, and the Government had integrated a consideration of gender equality into all revenue and spending decisions.
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We now need to build on this ambition. NFAW is looking forward to working with the new Government to advance a fairer and more equal Australia and we will continue to hold them to account on gender equality. The second Albanese Government should advance and scale up the work that is already underway, including continuing to expand access to childcare, building on paid parental leave so that it is commensurate with international good practice, and continuing to focus on reducing the gender wage gap. Today, only 1 in 5 Australian employers have a gap that tis in the target range (WGEA). We need to treat women’s safety as the national emergency it is, with a laser focus across primary prevention, access to services, and reforming the justice system. Violence against women is a millstone around Australia’s our neck which must be addressed. 77 per cent of homicides in Australia in the past 15 years involved a man killing a current or former partner (AIC). How can we blithely accept this? The incoming Government needs to swiftly act on the Australian Law Reform Commission report, Safe, informed, supported: reforming justice responses to sexual violence, released in March 2025.
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There are still policy areas that need a heightened gender lens. Climate change is real, and women bear the burden of its impacts, and are at greater risk of violence during disaster recovery. Women receiving Jobseeker and other welfare payments are living in poverty; it is unconscionable that Jobseeker has not been substantively increased. Perhaps a Universal Basic Income (UBI) could be explored. Affordable housing, for homeowners and renters, is a matter of urgency. We call on the incoming Government to accelerate programs that have been commenced – not change course. If the Australian Government scales up defence spending, we should increase funding for international development and humanitarian aid at the same rate and ensure the principles of equity and gender equality guide that scale up. Genuine peace and security of our region can only be assured through such an approach. And at NFAW, we consider that it is vital for men and boys engage more in efforts to progress equality. Feminism is not a zero-sum game - equality benefits all of us, enriching our lives and helping to achieve our nation’s future security and prosperity. This needs to be better communicated to all members of our community, particularly men.
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Governments must take a lead in helping shape the norms where everyone can see for themselves the benefits of equality. In this regard, it was heartening to see the Prime Minister acknowledge the Traditional Owners on election night and do so with genuine and respectful emotion.
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There is much to be done. To this end, NFAW is also reviewing and refreshing the “match fitness“ of some of our mechanisms. As many would be aware, we have an external review of the Social Policy Committee underway, revitalised brand and logo, and an overhaul of our website. Thanks for contributions, ideas, and donations – most appreciated.
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Jane Madden
Chair | National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW)
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From the Social Policy Committee
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NFAW has congratulated the Government on its re-election, and Katy Gallagher on her reappointment as the Minister for Women.
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In our gender analysis of the election, we noted the progress that the last Government made across a range of policies. Many of these reforms relate to the Machinery of Government, most importantly the reintroduction of an evidence-based Women’s Budget Statement but also including reforms to the Fair Work Commission, Workplace Gender Equality Agency, and the development of the Strategy for Gender Equality.
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This has shown results with the increased access to Early Childhood Education and Care – with a commitment to introduce universal access; and increases in pay in the care sector, which is one of the lowest paid, and most feminised, industries.
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However, there are still areas where progress is not happening quickly enough including violence against women, climate change, social services, and housing.
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The challenge that lies ahead is to ensure that the progress made to date is embedded into the system so tightly that it cannot be undone, and to use the opportunity of this second term to undertake a reform agenda that will apply a gendered lens to develop reforms that benefit all Australians.
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We have started to identify the areas that we think the Government should prioritise, and we will develop a NFAW position to take to the relevant ministers. We are also looking at the effectiveness of our own internal processes, and I would like to thank those of you who responded to an invitation to give input to this review.
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We are also actively engaging with the new Working with Women Alliance to strengthen networks in the women’s movement and to participate in policy developments over the next term.
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Now is the time to build on the achievements of the first Albanese government, and we will be ready to participate in the next stage.
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We recently held the Pamela Denoon Lecture which featured a presentation by Ms Padma Raman PSM, Executive Director of the Office for Women (OFW) at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Padma has a distinguished career in gender equality, social justice and human rights.
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Padma talked about her life as a young immigrant from Belgaluru in India and the lessons she has learned on gender equality.
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The presentation included a panel discussion featuring Akrti Tyagi, Co-founder, Girls Run, and moderated by Sally Moyle, the Deputy Chair of NFAW. We discussed;
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- our thoughts on the recent Commission on the Status of Women
- what the negotiations, and the political declaration that emerged, told us about the rise of the anti-gender ideologies
- ideas about how we can withstand this intense backlash to gender equality and progress a more just and equal world.
NFAW Chair, Jane Madden introduced the event and our partner, Professor Fiona Jenkins, the Convenor of the Australian National University Gender Institute, wrapped up the event.
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As usual, the ABC Big Ideas program recorded the event, and plans to broadcast it.
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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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Australian Women’s Archives Program - Winter Tales in 2025
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Canberra members of AWAP’s management committee have held a long running series of events at the National Library to raise funds to support the further development of the Australian Women's Register.
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The Register includes some 7000 entries providing information about notable women and women’s organisations and the location of archives and other research resources about them.
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The next Winter Tales event, on 29 June 2025, will feature the National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC, reflecting on her life and work.
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Michelle McGuinness is a respected intelligence diplomat who returned from Washington to take up the Coordinator role in 2024. As National Coordinator she leads policy development and responses to cyber security threats. Prior to this appointment Michelle served for 30 years in the Australian Defence Force in a range of tactical, operational, and strategic roles in Australia and overseas. You can book for the event here
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Australian Women’s Archives Program - Updating the Australian Women’s Register
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AWAP volunteers regularly update Register entries adding information such as death dates, honours received and additional research resources such as new publications. Each Register entry includes a tab inviting feedback on the entry and users are responding by suggesting updates. We also receive enquiries from Register users, asking about access to archives listed in the entries, suggesting new entries, seeking guidance on how to research a woman or subject and offering personal memories of someone included on the Register. We were able to link a Belgian PhD student who sought assistance seeking to contact an Australian woman who gave evidence to the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women, a landmark feminist event held in Brussels in 1976. A youth theatre group in Macau contacted us seeking information about how to get permission to stage Alma de Groen’s play The Woman in the Window. Curiously, we get enquiries from people wanting to know the time of their birth, presumably after a search engine lands them on an entry such as for the Queen Victoria Hospital.
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We commission work to make improvements to the database software and website design as funds permit, for example recently fixing a data migration error that resulted in incorrect dates in the Events fields and making our online exhibitions more visible from the homepage.
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Having last year completed the online exhibition on women elected to represent the ACT in parliaments we are currently scoping a proposed new project to write more entries on scientists.
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Chair, AWAP Management Committee.
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Congratulations Margy
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NFAW congratulates AWAP Chair, Margy Burn AM on her well-deserved Australia Day honours this year. Margy was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to library and information science, and to the community.
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Save the date!
Our annual dinner will be held on the evening of
Tuesday 11 November 2025, at the National Press Club in Canberra.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details.
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New website coming soon!
We will soon launch a new website designed to make it easier than ever to access our extensive library of policy resources and research.
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The new website will feature a streamlined layout and improved navigation, ensuring that advocates, researchers, and the public can quickly find the information they need on key issues impacting women and girls in Australia.
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We’ll let you know when it launches.
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Making a Bequest and Supporting the Work of NFAW
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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.
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