Federal Budget

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Federal Budget Training Workshop in Adelaide

Participants at the Federal Budget training workshop in Adelaide

Equality Rights Alliance's Draft Work Plan for 2011-2012 includes a collaboration with other National Women's Alliances on the Federal Budget 2012. The focus this year is on skills development, to provide Government with strategic input on key issues affecting women for the Federal Budget 2012, and increase the skills of women's advocates to participate in Federal Budget processes 2013.

Women's Experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory

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During May and June 2011, Equality Rights Alliance documented women's experiences of Income Management in the Northern Territory. We want the views of women living with Income Management to be heard in public discussion of Income Management policy.

The report is available for download below. A printed version is also available. If you'd like a printed copy, please email era.admin@ywca.org.au  with your postal address and how many copies you'd like.

Closing the Wealth Gap for Women

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Equality Rights Alliance are working on projects to support reducing barriers to women's workforce participation, and advocating for policy change to address financial security inequalities between women. In 2010, representatives from Equality Rights Alliance member organisations participated in Henry Tax Review gender analysis workshops.

During 2011, Equality Rights Alliance documented women's experience of Income Management in the Northern Territory. We listened to women's views on how the new Welfare Payments Reform program affects their day to day life, in the form of statistical surveys and women's stories in their own words. The report is now available for download.

Consolidation of Anti-Discrimination Laws

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The Attorney General and Minister for Finance and Deregulation have released a Discussion Paper on the consolidation of Australia's four federal anti-discrimination laws. Responses are due by 1st Feb 2012.

While preparing your response, check out the recent guest blogs on www.equalitylaw.org.au from transgender advocate Sally Goldner ,  Jamie Gardiner  addressing religious excemptions and Sue Hendy on age discrimination.

Stronger policies and programs for women's health

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Photo by T8 Photography, copyright Equality Rights Alliance

A survey of women's experience of health services was conducted in 2011, with over 750 online and paper responses recorded. Thank you to every woman who completed the survey, or helped spread the word about the project. Your support will help us better advocate for the diversity of women's health needs.

A report on the survey results, and the survey questions, are available for download below.

The key finding from the survey is that women want to be treated with respect by health care services. This includes cultural sensitivity, sexual identity awareness, respect for different concepts of health, and understanding of the impact of women's diverse social circumstances.

Advocating for housing policy that addresses the needs of women

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ERA has joined the campaign 'Australians for Affordable Housing'! We're very excited to be working with a coalition of housing, welfare and community organisations campaigning to put the issue of affordable housing on the national political agenda. Together, we are advocating for Federal Government action to increase access to affordable housing.

map of Australia with crowd of people inside the map, sheltered by a house

The Australians for Affordable Housing (AAH) Campaign has released their report, Australia’s Broken Housing System, revealing the grim state of the Australian housing market for those trying to find affordable housing.

Gender aware policy analysis

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UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2011 - Release of Gender Indicators, Australia

The first issue of Gender Indicators, Australia (July 2011) has been released via the ABS website.

Sharing Young Women’s Stories: inspire, action, vision.

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To celebrate 100 years of International Women’s Day, Equality Rights Alliance project Sharing Young Women’s Stories: inspire, action, vision. This project is an online and postcard campaign to fight negative Body Image. The campaign empowers young women to share their stories and reflections on Body Image and the representation of women. Equality Rights Alliance want to inspire International Women’s Day 2011 to become a wonderful occasion to listen the voices of young women.