The Office for Women conducts inter-government liaison through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Select Council on Women’s Issues.
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Select Council on Women’s Issues
In response to the Hawke Review of Ministerial Councils, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) directed that the Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers’ Conference on the Status of Women (MINCO) transition to a new COAG Council System from 2011. As a result inter-government liaison on women’s issues is now pursued through the COAG Select Council on Women’s Issues.
The Select Council on Women’s Issues is a ministerial forum, reporting to COAG, for member Governments to work collaboratively to:
- implement the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children;
- develop and recommend a national framework for gender equality; and
- develop a national approach to promote the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Membership includes Commonwealth, State,Territory and New Zealand Ministers with responsibility for women’s issues.
Meetings of the Select Council on Women’s Issues are held up to twice a year with the inaugural meeting held in Adelaide, 18 November 2011. The Communiqué summarises the matters discussed at the inaugural meeting.
Secretariat support will be provided initially by the Australian Government Office for Women:
- Select Council on Women’s Issues Secretariat
- Australian Government Office for Women
- Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
- PO Box 7576
- Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610
Terms of Reference for the COAG Select Council on Women’s Issues
Related Links
Council of Australian Governments (COAG)
COAG is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia, comprising the Prime Minister, State Premiers, Territory Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).
State, Territory and New Zealand Governments – Women’s Portfolios
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western Australia
South Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Northern Territory
New Zealand
COAG Select Council on Women’s Issues Communiqués: 2011
MINCO Communiqués: 2005-2010