About
The Elizabeth Reid Network was launched in 2016 as a network for current and former women advisers within the Australian Labor Party.
We offer scholarships, host events and conduct research with the aim of supporting women advisers and encouraging their participation in the political process.
ERN started from the simple idea of wanting to provide women who have worked or are working for the ALP to connect, share stories and support one another. After several discussions with senior female staff, including the late Bridget Whelan, we decided to establish a formal network to help recruit, mentor and guide female staffers in the Labor Party.
ERN has gone on to offer scholarships, host events and conduct research with the aim of supporting women staffers and encourage their participation in the political process.
Looking to the future, ERN is committed to growth, connection and providing a voice for women in politics. We take inspiration from Elizabeth Reid’s legacy as a pioneering woman who made history in 1973 and who paved the way for generations of female staffers in the Australian Labor Party.
About the Elizabeth Reid Network
Elizabeth Reid understood the importance of working together for the greater good, to keep an open mind and to seek opportunities to collaborate.
In her own words:
“Sometimes, being courageous, being resilient, embracing change, standing on principle or facing adversity does not require momentous or intrepid actions.
Sometimes it is the small acts of resistance, of kindness, empathy and courage, rather than the grand gestures or stances, which enable us to overcome adversity.”
At ERN, we seek to diversify and expand the pool of talented women in politics and support future generations of female advisor to push the boundaries and make a positive impact.
About Elizabeth Reid
Reid expanded women’s horizons and used her position to spark a reimagining of the role and aspirations for women all across the country.
“The ‘sisterhood’ [is] the coming together of women to work together for women…and the coming together of men and women to work for social change.”
Reid resigned in 1975 – just weeks before the dismissal of the Whitlam government – and went on to work internationally as an adviser and consultant on issues of women and development, health and social justice.
In 2001 Reid was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to international relations, the welfare of women and to HIV/AIDS policy development.
Read more about Elizabeth Reid here.
Our Work
At ERN, we aim to better unite and uplift Labor women staffers across all levels of government. We are more than just a community, we are a movement that strives to create opportunities for female staffers to make an impact
ERN offers a unique platform to connect, share experiences, and gain invaluable insights through our online platforms, networking activities and scholarship opportunities.
Connect
We host networking events that allow women staffers to connect and support each other and to celebrate their important work and achievements.
Advance
We support the development of women staffers through scholarship and training in areas such as leadership, governance, policy and campaigning.
Advocate
We champion gender equality and the rights of women staffers through consultation, formal submissions and public advocacy.
ERN Submission
ERN Submission to the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces
Part of our work is to undertake research and provide insights into the work environment for female staffers, to ensure a safe workplace in political offices, and an inclusive and positive culture where women can thrive.
In July 2021, the Elizabeth Reid Network (ERN) provided a submission to the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. It details the experiences and stories of hundreds of current and former female staff. It draws on data collected from an anonymous workplace culture survey involving 227 ERN members during April-May 2021, as well as data from ERN online forums, qualitative research and members events.
Our board
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Annie O'Rourke
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Chris
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Claudia Crawford
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Marielle
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