Office of Women's Affairs
1977 – March 1983
Renamed Office of the Status of Women in 1983.
Commonwealth women's policy office that advised the government on matters affecting the status of women and examined government policies for their effect on women.
Names over time
- Office of Women's Affairs1977–1983
- Office of the Status of Women1983–2004
- Office for Women2004–present
How it came into existence
In 1977 the women's affairs branch of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (set up as the Women's Affairs Section in 1974) was renamed the Office of Women's Affairs; in December 1977 the Fraser government moved it to the new Department of Home Affairs, and its head, Sara Dowse, resigned in protest at the move.
- Women's affairs policy advice
Changes during its life
- 20 December 1977Moved from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to the new Department of Home Affairs.
- 3 November 1980Became part of the Department of Home Affairs and Environment when that department replaced the Department of Home Affairs.
How it ended
Renamed the Office of the Status of Women in March 1983, after the election of the Hawke government, and returned to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Main functions
- Policy advice on the status of women
- Review of government policies for their effect on women
- Liaison with women's organisations
- International women's affairs
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Home Affairs and Environment.
Lineage
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Sources
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.