History

More than 80 years ago, a new clause was inserted into the PSA Rules which continues to have a lasting effect on the union to this day. The clause established the PSA Women’s Auxiliary which is known today as the Women’s Council.

All female members of the Association are members of Women’s Council.

Women’s Council is an advisory body to Central Council on issues affecting female members of the Association.

The business of the Women’s Council shall be conducted by a Women’s Council Committee. Women’s Council Committee is made up of elected members along with female members of the Executive and Central Council.

The elected office bearers of the Women’s Council Committee are known as the Women’s Steering Committee .

Women’s Council and the PSA have had many successes over the years in improving the situation of women members.

Women’s Council has worked on issues around:

• job security for women workers and the prevention of the casualisation of women’s work
• pay equity
• ground-breaking workplace rights for victims of domestic violence
• flexible work practices
• purchased leave
• paid lactation breaks for women
• returning from maternity leave.

However, there is always more to do.