Rural and Regional Women's Views Heard in Canberra

The Rural and Regional Women's Advisory Council has advised the Federal Government of the importance of strong social support systems in helping communities adapt to the effects of globalisation and industry deregulation.

The Council, which met last week with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, also stressed the need to seek local solutions to cope with the local effects of change.

"We recognise the Government's commitment to providing for more local solutions development through the Stronger Family and Communities Strategy, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and the recent announcement of the $90 million Regional Solutions Program," Council Chairwoman, Ms Cathy McGowan said.

"These programs meet a real community need in that the financial support they offer can be used to give local communities the tools they need to develop their own strategies for coping with change."

The Council also briefed Minister Anderson on a national research program it is about to embark on to identify the 'critical success factors' that best help communities adapt to change.

"The first of a series of seven workshop to be held across Australia will take place in Denmark in Western Australia on 11 August and Minister Anderson has accepted our invitation to attend," Ms McGowan said.

"We hope to provide a full report to the Minister once we have completed the workshops, which should be at the end of June 2001."

The Council was established by the Federal Government last year to strengthen the voice of women in regional and rural Australia.

The nine women who make up the Council come from diverse backgrounds. Their role is to bring to the attention of Mr Anderson, and through him the Government, the issues they perceive to be impacting most on regional Australia.

"At the moment, these issues include the possible effects of the implementation of the GST on small communities; government support for the development of local community networks; national resource management; and fostering skills development and leadership, particularly among women and volunteering groups," Ms McGowan said.

Minister Anderson said the Council provided him with a different perspective on the formulation and delivery of Government policy initiatives and how they might affect regional, rural and remote communities.

"The frank advice Council members provide me with is proving to be invaluable and I look forward to future discussions and my forthcoming involvement in the Denmark workshop," he said.

Media Contact: Helen Board, Regional and Rural Women's Unit: (02) 6274 6294 / (0409) 714 457

Members of the Council are: