Our Centenary of Women’s Suffrage
Women in Politics – according to UNA of Sydney’s Daily Telegraph
In 1903 the Daily Telegraph had a regular columnist who was identified simply as ‘UNA’. She (?) wrote about various social welfare institutions and activities, often concerning the experiences of women and children, and also about social issues of the day. The style of the articles was very individual, combining narrative, description and conversational dialogue between service providers and an unidentified enquirer/commentator.
The first Federal election at which adult white women* could vote was to be held on 16 December 1903. From September the UNA by-line also appeared on columns under the general heading of ‘Women in Politics’. At first these alternated with the social welfare topics; however, from the middle of November to the end of the year all UNA articles were focussed on women and the election. Some of the earlier ones have a similar style to the parallel series – conversational dialogue, explaining issues with simple examples. The later ones directly promote the Telegraph’s editorial policy of support for the Free Trade cause, urge women to make sure their names are included on the Electoral Rolls, and then concentrate on getting women to vote.
* The Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902 excluded 'Aboriginal natives of Australia, Asia, Africa or the Islands of the Pacific except New Zealand' unless entitled under Section 41 of the Constitution.
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