Australia's decision to sign and later ratify CEDAW was a long process, surrounded by much debate.
Opposition to CEDAW
Many Australians feared CEDAW and the effect that it would have on Australian society. Some groups and individuals organised rallies and wrote letters to Members of Parliament, hoping to influence Australia not to sign. Several parliamentarians also went on to voice their opposition to CEDAW in Parliament and worked to prevent Australia signing the treaty.
Opponents argued that CEDAW would force women out of their homes and into the workforce and cause a breakdown of family life. In addition, the fact that the former Soviet Union bloc participated in the UN led some people to believe that Australia signing CEDAW would give the bloc countries the power to dictate standards to Australia.
Support for CEDAW
Many Australians and women's organisations, in particular, strongly supported CEDAW. This support was demonstrated at a national level and also in local branches. These groups included the Federation of Business and Professional Women, the Young Women's Christian Association and Zonta International. Many other non-government organisations (NGOs) also supported the Convention through the National Council of Women, a voluntary coordinating body that at the time had 583 affiliated organisations, representing over a million members.
Supporters worked to secure political support for CEDAW. For example, the Women's Electoral Lobby sent letters and had meetings, asking politicians and political candidates to support the Convention. Seminars were held and pamphlets distributed to publicise CEDAW and inform women, allowing them to see how CEDAW could address many issues relevant to their lives.
Signing of CEDAW
Despite some opposition, Australia signed CEDAW at a special signing ceremony at the UN World Conference for the Decade of Women. Australia was one of the 23 countries that helped prepare the ceremony and sent a strong delegation of experts led by The Hon Robert (Bob) Ellicott (the then Minister for Home Affairs). Australia's signing of CEDAW, showed its commitment, in principle, to the rights the treaty enshrines. Australia deposited its instrument of ratification with the United Nations Secretary-General on 28 July 1983, and it entered into force for Australia a month later.