A Network to Support Female Staffers
The Elizabeth Reid Network supports former and current female staffers to strengthen career pathways and ensure women have key roles in shaping a better, fairer Australia.
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Our Goals
01
Support and connect women working in politics
Provide a trusted space for current and former female staffers to share experiences, mentor one another, and stay connected.
02
Strengthen women’s leadership and influence
Offer opportunities for learning, development and collaboration so women can grow, lead and shape Australia’s political landscape.
03
Keep women engaged and informed
Share employment opportunities, policy updates and practical resources that help women stay active and involved in public life.
04
Advance safer, more inclusive political workplaces
Use the collective expertise of members to champion respect, equality and better conditions across the political system.
The network grows stronger each year
Years
Members
Scholarship funding awarded
About the Elizabeth Reid Network
Since 2016, the Elizabeth Reid Network has expanded across Australia, connecting current and former women staffers and creating pathways for meaningful work in politics and beyond. Our members continue to drive change in their communities and careers.
The Network is named in honour of Elizabeth Reid, whose groundbreaking appointment in 1973 as Australia’s first adviser on Women’s Affairs by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam opened new doors for women’s participation and leadership. Learn more about Elizabeth Reid.
The Elizabeth Reid Network is continuing her mission: for generations of women to play a central role in the Australian Labor Party and Public life.
Connect
ERN hosts networking events that allow current and former women staffers to connect and support each other and to celebrate their important work and achievements.
Develop
ERN supports the development of women staffers through scholarship and training in areas such as leadership, governance, policy and campaigning.
Lead
We strengthen women’s leadership through learning opportunities, development and collaboration so women can continue to shape Australia’s political landscape.
About the Bridget Whelan Scholarship
The Bridget Whelan Scholarship is an annual award of $10,000 for female staffers in the Australian Labor Party. The Elizabeth Reid Network awards the Scholarship is to assist female staffers with several years of experience to extend and develop their skills and capacity and contribute further to the party – whether in policy, communications or leadership roles.
Past recipients
2024 Winner
Clare Manton
2023 Winner
Stephanie Anderson
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2021 Winner
Georgia Betros
2019 Winner
Georgia Goldsworthy
2018 Winner
Rachel Durrant
2017 Winner
Karelle Logan
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.
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Please join us for the announcement of the 2026 Winner of the Bridget Whelan Scholarship.
We’re proud to offer this annual award of $10,000 for female staffers in the Australian Labor Party. This year we’re also celebrating our 10th year anniversary.
The scholarship is named in honour of the talented Bridget Whelan who worked in senior staffer roles in the NSW and Federal Labor governments between 2000-2011.
All current and former staffers and friends of the ERN are welcome!
For people without an access pass to Parliament House, please RSVP via email below so we can organise an escorted pass.
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