International Women's Day, Melbourne, 1980 International Women's Day march, Sydney, 1996 Reclaim the Night, Sydney, mid-1990s WEL NSW members displaying posters supporting the campaign for paid maternity leave, International Women's Day 2002 (WEL NSW Office) WEL-WA, Palm Sunday Peace March 1985 Eva Cox, at launch of WEL's 2004 federal election campaign. (WEL history collection, photo Gail Radford)

Election 2010

“Decency”,  “fairness and integrity”, “hard working Australians” these are all being bandied about in the lead up to the election campaign.

  

But what do they mean? So far, not much it seems. 

  

There is too much focus on the “big end of town” such as mining companies. Tax is an important issue, we agree there. But what is important for real people is the way the tax system punishes women, especially those who are trying to work and manage a family. Sometimes women can be worse off when they do take up paid work. And what about superannuation. Very few women will have enough retirement income.

 

WEL’s major areas of concern that we will be taking to all parties are:

  

Women’s financial and economic security

 

Balancing work and family

 

 

We are looking for women to take these issues straight to their local members, and make them aware that we are looking for policies that are fair – fair for women, and fair for society. 

If you’re interested in taking part, get in touch with us. Let us know what electorate you live in and who your local members is. We’ll supply you with information and questions you can ask. Or check out our Guide to Lobbying to give you some tips.

If you’re not sure what electorate you live in, check it out on the Australian Electoral Commission website.