Why We Should Gough Whitlam Transform Women's Rights
It is my absolute pleasure to stand here and address the members of the House of Representatives for 2015. I am here to commemorate 40 years since the dismissal of the Whitlam Labor government in 1975, but specifically highlight and celebrate the major impacts of Whitlam’s government. Whether you agree that Gough Whitlam should have remained in leadership or have been dismissed, you cannot deny the significant impacts his policies had. Gough Whitlam and his government stated to the public of Australia that their program had three great aims, ‘they are: to promote equality, to involve the people of Australia in the decision-making processes of our land, and to liberate the talents and uplift the horizons of the Australian people.’ To achieve this, the Labor Government introduced new policies, which impacted all
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citizens of Australia. Two of the most influential policies, which I will focus on today, were the policies for Indigenous Australians, and for women.
During his time as prime minister Gough Whitlam, and his government were able to transform the rights of indigenous Australians through reformed policies.
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Additionally Gough Whitlam introduced the policies, which changed the rights of women and challenged the social norms of the current time. Gough Whitlam transformed women’s rights in three ways. Firstly the government created funding for women’s health and welfare, secondly policies were changed to give women greater opportunities in the workplace to accumulate money, and finally Whitlam attempted to reform the social perception of women. Gough Whitlam provided essential funding for organizations specializing in women’s health and welfare. The creation of women’s health centres, refugee and crisis centres were all financed by the Labor Government. Examples of these include Leichardt Women’s Health Centre, the Liverpool Women’s Health Centre, the Sydney Rape Crisis Centre and eleven women’s refuges across the country.$3 million was distributed among the establishment of these centres. Gough Whitlam made remarkable steps to
assist women with opportunities in the workplace. The government fought for equal pay for women doing the same work as men. 500 000 female workers became eligible for full pay and overall the wages of women rose by 30%. The original minimum wage for men and minimum wage for women was replaced by a minimum wage applicable for both genders. The single mothers benefit was introduced and childcare was introduced, to allow women to work. The maternity act was passed which allowed pregnant women paid time off work. The Whitlam government took many initiatives to abolish discrimination against women. The family law act was passed which allowed no fault divorce. It meant no one in the relationship had to be blamed for the divorce through adultery or abuse. It attempted to remove the belief that women cause marital breakups. The family court of Australia was founded to manage cases in relation to the family law act. High sale taxes were removed of oral contraceptives to enable women to control their bodies. Whitlam also appointed a women’s advisor for the agency of women’s affairs. This was to help achieve equality among women.
Conclusion
citizens of Australia. Two of the most influential policies, which I will focus on today, were the policies for Indigenous Australians, and for women.
During his time as prime minister Gough Whitlam, and his government were able to transform the rights of indigenous Australians through reformed policies.
•
Additionally Gough Whitlam introduced the policies, which changed the rights of women and challenged the social norms of the current time. Gough Whitlam transformed women’s rights in three ways. Firstly the government created funding for women’s health and welfare, secondly policies were changed to give women greater opportunities in the workplace to accumulate money, and finally Whitlam attempted to reform the social perception of women. Gough Whitlam provided essential funding for organizations specializing in women’s health and welfare. The creation of women’s health centres, refugee and crisis centres were all financed by the Labor Government. Examples of these include Leichardt Women’s Health Centre, the Liverpool Women’s Health Centre, the Sydney Rape Crisis Centre and eleven women’s refuges across the country.$3 million was distributed among the establishment of these centres. Gough Whitlam made remarkable steps to
assist women with opportunities in the workplace. The government fought for equal pay for women doing the same work as men. 500 000 female workers became eligible for full pay and overall the wages of women rose by 30%. The original minimum wage for men and minimum wage for women was replaced by a minimum wage applicable for both genders. The single mothers benefit was introduced and childcare was introduced, to allow women to work. The maternity act was passed which allowed pregnant women paid time off work. The Whitlam government took many initiatives to abolish discrimination against women. The family law act was passed which allowed no fault divorce. It meant no one in the relationship had to be blamed for the divorce through adultery or abuse. It attempted to remove the belief that women cause marital breakups. The family court of Australia was founded to manage cases in relation to the family law act. High sale taxes were removed of oral contraceptives to enable women to control their bodies. Whitlam also appointed a women’s advisor for the agency of women’s affairs. This was to help achieve equality among women.
Conclusion