News & Events
10 Point Plan Partners and Endorsees
A growing number of organisations have endorsed the 10 Point Plan for Victorian Women's Health and Wellbeing. 10 Point Plan Endorsees
Posted on: 22 February 2010
Maternal Safe Eating Guidelines Updated
A multi-media information package about seven tips for safe eating and drinking before and during pregnancy was launched today by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. The recommendations cover: a balanced diet, boosting intake of folic acid and iodine, limiting intake of alcohol and caffeine, and avoiding exposure to mercury and listeria.
Media Release (21/01/10) from Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Posted on: 25 January 2010
Launch of Year of Women in Local Government
The Federal Government is funding a range of practical projects to help improve the participation of women in local government, including: gender equity initiatives, leadership scholarships for senior women in local government, and improved data collection and reporting on the status of women in local government.
Media Release (20/01/10) from Australia. Minister for the Status of Women
Posted on: 25 January 2010
Better Screens And Care For Breast Cancer Sufferers
The Federal Government is funding a national upgrade of BreastScreen technology in Australia. As well as providing new mammography equipment, the digital upgrade program will enable electronic transfer of mammography images between services. This will help reduce the time taken for images to be sent from remote locations to major cities for analysis. Radiologists will also be able for the first time to electronically manipulate and magnify the mammography images.
Media Release (05/01/10) from Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing
Posted on: 25 January 2010
10 Point Plan For Victorian Women's Health 2010-2014
Over the past few months Victorian women’s health services have finalised a new 10 Point Plan for the period 2010 to 2014 which builds on the success of the 2006 document. The plan outlines a vision for women’s health in Victoria over the next 5 years and reiterates a call for a whole of government strategy.
Report (27/11/09) from Victorian Women's Health Services
Posted on: 21 December 2009
Gender Inequality Still Alive And Well: Maxine Morand
Minister for Women’s Affairs Maxine Morand renewed her call to the private sector to improve women’s participation in leadership and move into the 21st century. Addressing the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission’s Symposium on Women’s Rights in Melbourne, Ms Morand said discrimination and women’s inequality continued in employment opportunities. “Women still encounter discrimination and gender stereotyping, women have not achieved equal pay, and women are under-represented in business leadership,” Ms Morand said.
Media Release (26/11/09) from Victoria. Minister for Women's Affairs
Posted on: 30 November 2009
White Ribbon Day Statement by Federal Minister for the Status of Women
Tanya Plibersek covers the origins of the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women", describes the Australian context and prevalence, and outlines current government policies and initiatives to address this. The Minister congratulates all men who are showing leadership by wearing the white ribbon and by swearing not to commit, condone or be silent about violence against women.
Speech (25/11/09) from Australia. Minister for the Status of Women
Posted on: 27 November 2009
A Right to Respect: Victoria’s Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women 2010-2020
The Victorian Government has released “A Right To Respect”, a 10-year strategy to significantly reduce violence against women. Goals include: non-violent and non-discriminatory social norms; gender equitable, safe and inclusive communities and organisations; and equal and respectful relationships between women and men.
Media Release (24/11/09) from Victoria. Premier
Posted on: 27 November 2009
Making It Fair: Pay Equity And Associated Issues Related To Increasing Female Participation In The Workforce
A Parliamentary Committee report “Making it fair” claims women in Australia are paid up to 17 per cent less than men and that female dominated employment sectors such as child care and aged care are synonymous with “low paid work”. The pay gap now tops $11,000 a year, with men earning an average wage of $66,690 to women's $55,198. The report recommends that the Government should create a new pay equity unit with increased powers to penalise companies that do not help close the widening gender salary gap. Other recommendations include giving the Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Human Rights Commissioner greater powers to initiate actions against companies.
Posted on: 27 November 2009
Fourth National Mental Health Plan 2009-2014
A new Australian 5-year plan for collaborative government action in mental health was launched on 13 November. Government actions in five priority areas have been developed to achieve the vision of “a mental health system that enables recovery, that prevents and detects mental illness early and ensures that all Australians with a mental illness can access effective and appropriate treatment and community support to enable them to participate fully in the community.”
Media Release (13/11/09) from Australia. Department of Health and Ageing
Posted on: 27 November 2009