A Network To Support Female Advisers

Launched in 2016 The Elizabeth Reid Network for former and current staff aims to support current women advisers, share employment opportunities and ensure women stay active and engaged in creating a better Australia.

About Elizabeth Reid

In 1973 Elizabeth Reid was appointed Australia’s first adviser on Women’s Affairs by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.

Reid was Whitlam’s key adviser when he made groundbreaking reforms which included extending the minimum wage, introducing paid maternity leave in the public service, establishing a single mother’s benefit, funding community childcare, ensuring accessible contraception, increasing access to no-fault divorce, and funding refuges and women’s health centres around the country.

About the Scholarship

The Bridget Whelan Scholarship is an annual award of $10,000 for female advisers in the Australian Labor Party.

The purpose of the Scholarship is to assist female advisers to extend and develop their skills and capacity and contribute further to the party – in policy, communications and or leadership roles.

Past winners

2022

Stephanie
Anderson

2021

Georgia
Betros

Upcoming events

We run small and large events including online throughout the year. We encourage State and Territory Staff to run their own events for female staff as well. All our activities are aimed at bringing members together to celebrate achievements and support women in the political workplace.

Our Facebook group is also a great place to find out about jobs both in politics and in the corporate and community worlds.