The Working Women's Centre Information

The WWCs have provided a professional specialist advisory and advocacy service to women with work issues since 1979 (SA) and 1994 (Qld and NT). I understand that the Working Women's Centres have been informed that their current funding will cease on 31 December 2016, that they have received no commitment to any ongoing funding and will have the opportunity to participate in an open tender process for services in 2017. It is my view that Working Women's Centres ought to be funded separate to any tender process. The Working Women's Centre model is tried and tested. Working Women's Centres deliver solid outcomes. The WWCs assist the most vulnerable women with their work issues. If they were forced to close, there would be no equivalent service for vulnerable women and we would lose an established voice on systemic gendered employment issues. This would leave thousands of women workers without recourse to advice, and place additional burdens on legal services, community services, FWO and the Fair Work Commission. There would be an increase in unmeritorious claims, litigation and disputes. Fewer women would secure their rightful entitlements, with flow on effects for their ongoing economic security, as well as their families. I seek your commitment to ensuring that sustainable funding for the WWCs is maintained after 31 December 2016.