Appendix 29 - NSW Government Action Plan for Women

The NSW Attorney General’s Department is committed to the principles of equity, access, rights and participation. This commitment is reflected in our policies, programs and services which aim to improve outcomes for women.

The primarily objective from the NSW Government Action Plan for Women which has been integrated into departmental operations is to reduce violence against women. A number of strategies have been implemented by the Department over the past year in pursuit of this objective. These strategies form part of the Government’s commitment to overcome some of the barriers which prevent women from participating fully in all aspects of society.

The Department also works in partnership with other government agencies to promote workplace that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women’s lives.

Reducing Violence Against Women

A more coordinated approach to delivering government services to women who are victims of violence has been embraced following the establishment of the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit within the Department in 1997. The Unit, which is jointly funded by the Department of Health, NSW Police Service, the Attorney General’s Department and the Department of Community Services, is responsible for implementing the NSW Strategy for Reducing Violence Against Women in partnership with the Department for Women.
The Unit looks at new ways to deliver government services which recognise the diverse needs of women who are victims of violence. It also facilitates the range of services provided by both government and nongovernment agencies, and is involved in developing strategies at a local and state level.

The Unit provides executive support to the NSW Council on Violence Against Women.

Promoting workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women’s lives.

The Anti-Discrimination Board has a number of functions which involve promoting workplaces that are equitable, safe and responsive to all aspects of women’s lives. These functions are:

• Conducting research and community education on discrimination issues;
• Providing legal and policy advise to government; and
• Advising the Industrial Relations Commission on the issue of discrimination in the workplace.