Report from the National Rural Women's Summit 

National Rural Women’s Summit
Saturday 28 June 2008

The National Rural Women’s Summit has brought together eighty two women from rural, regional and remote areas including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women with disabilities.  We are committed to the well being of our communities and families. We are decision makers in small business, primary production, health, education and environment.

Our vision is for remote, rural and regional Australia to continue to be a great place to live and work – not only for now, but for our grandchildren’s future.

Our communities, environment, industries, services and workplaces are facing rapid change.  Drought, climate change, water issues, increased costs such as fuel and agricultural inputs, loss of services, and attracting and retaining skilled labour are only a few of the challenges facing us.

We recognise all areas of Australia face these challenges but the vast distances, lack of infrastructure and services that ensure we achieve equivalent outcomes to those living in urban centres not only isolates us, it stifles growth, innovation, entrepreneurship and adaptive capacity.

This threatens Australia’s economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability and prosperity. Urban and remote, rural and regional Australia is interdependent.

The significant messages from the Summit highlight that:

• Many of the issues and needs remain the same – they are not new – but they do require new solutions and approaches in a national bipartisan framework NOW
• The talent of rural women must be utilised for the sake of Australia’s future
• Women from all backgrounds will work with government for better policy and on ground outcomes
• Australia requires immediate action on water
• Government and decision makers must recognise and value the contributions that rural women make to connecting and sustaining rural families, communities, businesses and services.

We now respond to the Prime Minister’s election commitment. He promised that the Government would strengthen the capacity of rural women to participate in policy debate and provide quality advice on issues affecting remote, rural and regional communities to the Ministers responsible for primary industries, regional development, youth and women.

We fully agree with the Hon Minister Plibersek MP and the Hon Minister Burke MP when they say that better policy is made when women are a part of it.  We share their vision for having women fully participate in the decision making for remote, rural and regional Australia.

Policy advice, strategies and key recommendations for government are presented today and we request that the Ministers treat these as a call for outcomes.

There are 109 recommendations for the following themes:

• Climate change, environment and water
• Women in decision making
• Education
• Health
• Employment and business development
• Families and children
• Community building, reconciliation and new arrivals
• Young people
• Infrastructure, transport and telecommunications
• Training and skill development

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Key recommendations include:

1. The need to immediately declare a ‘National State of Emergency’ for water;
2. The need to increase the number of women in decision making positions in order to achieve a fifty per cent minimum standard;
 
3. That a national rural health plan be developed that ensures equitable health outcomes for all remote, rural and regional Australians;
4. That a national rural education plan be developed that ensures equitable outcomes for all remote, rural and regional Australians;
5. Develop a national family strategy that ensures all Australian families are strengthened, supported and valued, have adequate child care, and are free of violence and abuse;
6. That young people are supported in education, business development and encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills and expertise;
7. That disadvantaged remote, rural and regional communities are supported to develop their human capital and other resources through a range of services and support mechanisms;
8. That a single telecommunications package be developed for all Australians, using digital technology;
9. Immediate investment be made in research, development and the implementation of alternative energy forms/fuels;
10. That the Productivity Commission’s review of Exceptional Circumstances include ‘social inclusion principles’; and
11. That barriers to entry for young people into agriculture and rural businesses be addressed.

A comprehensive Summit report will be presented to the Ministers and will be available to all interested stakeholders.

We thank the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Status of Women, for hosting the Summit and creating a forum for engagement and outcomes. We also acknowledge the support of the Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; the Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Youth and Sport; Senator Claire Moore, Senator for Queensland and Ms Kirsten Livermore MP, Member for Capricornia.

We value the opportunity to contribute to and influence policy and strategy both via the Summit and on an ongoing basis through the National Rural Women’s Network. 

Historically, Australian women have led the way to have all women’s voices heard.

Continuing this tradition in 2008, Australia’s remote, rural, regional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women claim a stronger voice in decision making. We will work with government and influencers to implement and deliver on our recommendations.  This will ensure our families, communities, environment, industries and workplaces prosper for tomorrow.

There are a number of critical issues to be addressed that require immediate action. This action must ensure social inclusion, equity and long term needs for a fairer Australia.

This requires new ways of working appropriate for today’s world and will include a national whole of government approach with a concerted effort for each sphere.

It requires courage, commitment and communication from all.

Ends.

Future Action