Media Release

24 February 2006

Women will lose their status if the NSW government has its way

The dumbing down of women’s issues is likely when the Office for the Status of Women merges with 14 other government agencies, part of the New South Wales government’s plan to save $2.5 billion. This is a trend which could continue nationwide starting last year when a number of States downgraded their departments for women.

Business and Professional Women Australia President Kay Morrison said: "Amalgamating the Office of Women with other government departments is of great concern to BPW and its 800 members throughout Australia. It will be a total dilution of women’s issues and direct funding will stop for programs to improve the economic and social status of women.

"Also of great concern to BPW is that a number of leadership and development courses for women will be lost including GirlSavvy a mentoring program for girls between 14 and 24 years old operating throughout New South Wales. Up until now this program was funded by the Office for Women and BPW was a major implementation partner.

"The Office for Women has been the voice of women in New South Wales and BPW has worked with it collaboratively to improve opportunities for women. It is disappointing that a State government no longer acknowledges the special needs of women in the community," Morrison said.

"Less than a year ago the Department for Women in New South Wales was downgraded and became the Office for Women and relegated to the NSW’s Premier’s Department. Now, it seems set to disappear altogether."

ends

Business and Professional Women (BPW) is an international organisation that educates and informs women, undertaking research and projects aimed at improving the status of women. BPW lobbies governments at all levels including the United Nations where it holds Special Category Status on current and emerging issues of importance to women.

For further comment please contact:

Kay Morrison                                                                            Carmel Nola

BPWA President                                                                        BPWA PR Officer

Ph: 02 6656 4156                                                                       0409 104 477

MOB: 0411 372 164