Listening Tour Report A report of the Listening Tour consultations in 2007-08
Table of Contents
- 1 Foreword
- 2 Overview of Listening Tour findings
- 3 Theme One - Economic Independence for Wome
- 4 Theme Two - Work and family balance over the life cycle
- 5 Theme Three - Freedom from discrimination, harassment and violence
- 6 Issues raised outside the themes
Foreword
I am pleased to present the report of my Listening Tour, reflecting the major issues you shared with me as I travelled the length and breadth of Australia.
I became the federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner with the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) in September 2007. One of my main responsibilities as Commissioner is to promote gender equality in Australia as a human right.
Coming into this role, it was important to me that I listen to Australian women and men. I wanted to find out what you see as the major challenges we face in creating a fairer and more equal society. Of course, I had my own ideas and concerns, but my aim was to provide a genuine cross-section of the community with an opportunity to have their say on gender equality.
So, in November 2007, I began a nation-wide 'Listening Tour'. I wanted to ask the Australian public two big questions: How far have we come in our journey towards gender equality? And where should we focus our efforts into the future?
During the Listening Tour, I travelled to every state and territory, visiting cities, regional towns and remote communities. I also set up an online blog so that people could share their views in an alternative format. I met over 1000 people during the course of the Tour. I heard stories and experiences from factory workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, women's and men's services workers, refugees, academics, government ministers, investment bankers, gay and lesbian people, young women and older people, to name a few.
Women and men across the country provided their input on what I could do to make a difference.
The Listening Tour has greatly enriched my understanding of the lives and experiences of women and men across Australia. I also hope that it has been a positive experience for all those who have been involved.
I am delighted and proud to share the stories and experiences of the people I have met. I thank each one of you for your contribution. Your participation will help shape the agenda for my term as federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner.
Elizabeth Broderick
Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Age Discrimination
