Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Raising the voice for women

Tanya Plibersek, is calling for applications from organisations to form national alliances that will represent the broad range of views of women across the country.

The Australian Government will provide around $200,000 per year for each new national women’s alliance over the next three years.

“We want the voices of as many women as possible to be heard, especially those who in the past have found it difficult to engage in advocacy and decision making,” Ms Plibersek said.

“The national women’s alliances will play a key role in ensuring that women become strong and effective advocates, able to engage with the broader community and influence government.

“To achieve this, we are encouraging women’s organisations to come together to form alliances that voice the interests of Australian women, helping build a contemporary women’s movement.”

Alliances of non-government women’s organisations are invited to apply for funding to contribute to government policy debate and decision making, particularly around the government’s priorities to increase women’s economic security and ensure women’s equal place in society.

Up to six alliances will receive funding to engage in broad-based advocacy for contemporary women, including for rural women and Indigenous women.

Establishment funding will also be available for successful new alliances to assist with the costs of setting up.

The alliances are being asked to ensure the interests and priorities of the broadest possible range of women are heard, including those that have not been well represented in the past.

They are also being asked to actively engage with government by identifying and responding to current and timely issues.

Further information can be obtained from National Women’s Alliances or by calling 1800 008 612.