Territory women to have a say in new national workforce strategy

Northern Territory women are invited to take part in Australian Government consultations in Darwin next week about issues facing women in the workplace and on ways to help more women enter the workforce.

The Minister for Status of Women, Julie Collins, said during a visit to Darwin that the opinions of Territory women will help shape the Australian Government’s 2012 National Workforce Development Strategy.

Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin, said it was particularly important for Territory women to have their say.

“The nature of the Territory workforce is different in many ways to other areas of Australia and has unique regional characteristics,” Senator Crossin said.

“I invite Territory women to attend the consultations and make sure their views and experiences are taken into account.

“We are also particularly keen to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.”

A series of face-to-face consultations is taking place around the country to develop the national strategy.

The Darwin session is scheduled for Wednesday 25 July at 2.00pm at the Travelodge Mirambeena, 64 Cavanagh Street.

“Improving women’s workforce participation is absolutely central to our economy and to stopping women and their families from entering into poverty and social exclusion,” Ms Collins said.

“We need to have a very clear understanding of the barriers different women face in the workplace if we are to genuinely advance the status of women.”

The Australian Government is putting almost $100,000 towards the consultation groups directed specifically at gathering women’s views.

Individuals and organisations in the Territory with an interest in women’s workplace issues can register to attend the Darwin consultation group by contacting Marianne Campbell on 02 6249 8566 or Marianne.campbell@colmarbrunton.com

Those unable to attend can email moderator@NWDSConsultation.ColmarBrunton.com.au to arrange to take part in online consultations.