October 1999 Volume 80 Number 10 "serving the protectors"
Who's Who in Women's Groups By Karen Robinson

If you’re confused about all the “women’s groups”, particularly those relating to policing, then consider yourself in very good company. Each group has been established with its own purpose and objectives. Most, if not all, hope in some way to improve the lot of women in policing. Some are very well organized and operate under strict constitutions and rules. Some are incorporated bodies or exist under the umbrella of larger organizations.

Each group has come into being specifically because it has been perceived that no other group currently exists which particularly meets the needs and aims of the new group. Certainly though, there is likely to be some overlap.

PASA Women’s Branch

The Women’s Branch was formed in March 1997, and is identified within the Rules of the Association. The branch president (currently Elke Pfau, Victims of Crime branch) is entitled to attend the delegates’ conference and allowed to move motions but does not have a vote.

Issues which have been dealt with or are currently under discussion include:

• Provision and access to child care.
• Maternity leave.
• Equity and accessibility to part-time positions.
• Union training.
• Family carer’s leave.
• The middle management programme.

PASA adopted the Women’s Plan in April 1998. The branch meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10am in the PASA building. All members are welcome.

Police Federation of Australia, Women’s Advisory Committee (PFA WAC)

Since 1998, most Australian police associations/unions have joined to form a federally registered union - the Police Federation of Australia (PFA). The Women’s Advisory Committee is a forum which advises the PFA on industrial issues raised by women. This committee was formerly called Women Officials in Police Unions (WOPU). Elke Pfau is a past president of PFA WAC. Kate Fitzgerald of Tasmania Police is the current president.

SAPOL Women’s Group

This group formed after the 1996 Women Employees conference, particularly for those women with an interest in addressing discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. The overarching aim of the group is to promote equity in SAPOL and address issues of concern to women employees. The group lobbies the Commissioner, political parties and relevant unions on specific matters affecting women, with a view to raising awareness of gender issues within SAPOL. The group actively networks with women, including women’s support services. The group’s spokesperson is Dawn Lunn of Welfare Section.

Australasian Women in Policing Advisory Committee (AWIPAC)

An advisory group established and funded by the Australasian police commissioners to provide advice to the respective commissioners about women in policing. Human Resources director, Ms Joan Russell, is SAPOL’s current delegate.

Equal Opportunity Consultative Committee, Women’s Focus Group

In November 1994, the senior executive group approved the formation of the Equal Opportunity Consultative Committee (EOCC) to play a role in providing the Commissioner with advice, assistance and support for equal opportunity management planning and implementation across SAPOL. Focus groups were formed which represent minority and disadvantaged groups within SAPOL.

The EOCC Women’s Focus Group’s objectives are based primarily around examining the representation and participation of women within SAPOL. Joanne Shanahan of Port Adelaide is the current representative.

Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP)

Formed as a result of a recommendation of the 1st Australasian Women and Policing conference in Sydney in 1996. Co-hosted the 2nd Australasian Women and Policing conference in Brisbane in July 1999. An independent body which is working to advance policing for women - both the women in policing and women as a client group of policing.

Still confused? If you need more information, contact representatives from the respective groups and speak with them direct. We would certainly love to see and hear from more members at our meetings. We are not about “men bashing” but simply presenting women’s perspectives on industrial issues - and there isn’t any secret women’s business going on either.

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