Category Archives: Equal Rights

Deborah Wardley won the right to be employed as a pilot by Ansett in a case heard by the Victorian Equal Opportunity Board.

Deborah Wardley, a qualified pilot and flying instructor, sent in the first of many applications to Ansett Airlines. It was not until after a prolonged battle through the new Victorian Equal Opportunity Board (now VCAT) and later the Supreme and … Continue reading

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First sex discrimination Act passed in South Australia

The first sex discrimination Act in Australia was passed by the South Australian parliament in 1975. Other states followed.  The Act prohibited sex or marital status discrimination, including de facto relationships, in employment, education, providing goods and services, accommodation, clubs … Continue reading

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“Equal pay for work of equal value”

Commission extension of equal pay concept to ‘equal pay for work of equal value’ to be fully implemented by 1975.

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Bank of New South Wales grants loans to women without requiring a male guarantor

Following a campaign from women’s liberation activists, in early 1971 the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac) became the first to grant loans to women without requiring a male guarantor.

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‘Equal pay for equal work’

Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Commission ruling of ‘equal pay for equal work’, to be phased in by 1972.

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Zelda D’Aprano

In 1969, Zelda D’Aprano (pictured on the right in this photo) chained herself to the Commonwealth Building in Melbourne. In 2004, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of her campaigning on women’s workplace issues.

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The Women’s Prayer

THE WOMEN’S PRAYER Our Prime Minister Which art in Canberra Democracy be thy aim. May liberty come and equality be won For women as well as for men. Give us this day equal status And forgive those conventions Which discriminate … Continue reading

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Introduction of jury service for women in Queensland

As a result of amendments to the Queensland Jury Act, Queensland initiated the introduction of jury service for women in 1923, becoming the first Australian state to do so. The relevant provisions entitled women to serve on a jury but … Continue reading

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Women obtain the right to be elected into Queensland Parliament

Women obtain the right to be elected into Queensland Parliament under the 1915 Elections Act Amendment Act

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“Trust the Women”

The 1908 ‘Trust the Women’ suffrage banner was carried by the Australian contingent in the women’s suffrage processions in London in 1908 and 1911. The banner (pictured) was painted by artist Dora Meeson Coates.

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