By Melanie Sjoberg
ADELAIDE — The Arnold ALP government launched its bid for the women's vote in the December 11 state election, a policy titled "Women-Moving Forward", on November 22.
Some of the highlights are pledges to:
- create 1900 new quality-child care places by 1996;
- improve regional public transport links between child-care centres and TAFE/major business and employment districts
- establish a $2million women's enterprise start-up fund;
- establish a Women in Business network;
- extend industrial rights to workers currently excluded from the award system;
- allocate $4.8million over four years for primary health services for women in remote and rural areas;
- allocate an additional $200,000 for domestic violence services in community health centres;
- expand country services for victims of rape and assault;
- amend the Equal Opportunity Act to include sexual and racial harassment of workers by clients;
- review SA law and its administration to eliminate any gender bias.
A recent study of women who are currently or have been workers in SA revealed that 41% would prefer to work, and the main barrier to their participation was the lack of child-care. It also showed that nearly half of the women who changed jobs because of pregnancy shifted from full time to temporary work, and 78% of women with children under 12 had taken a break from the work force.
Of the total number of women working full time, one third (approximately 30,000-40,000 women) are caring for children under 12 years. It would appear that 1600 places in the next three years will do little to alleviate the existing need, let alone assisting the women who would work if child-care was available.
The statement declares that the Arnold government will focus on women's exploitation in the work force and the need for economic independence. This may surprise the thousands of teachers, nurses and other public sector workers who are having their conditions eroded by enterprise bargaining and budget cuts.
In 1991 (the most recent figures) women were 45% of public service workers, but 89% of part timers and 59% of temporary workers. In addition, 64% of all women were employed in the clerical group, the vast majority at the lowest level.
There are also around 1500 unemployed teachers, most of whom are women. All the studies that have been conducted into the impact of enterprise bargaining show that women will be worse off. This sits in direct contradiction to the Arnold government's pledge to improve women's industrial status.
The promises on additional funding for women's health would maintain the four women's community health centres, but the levels of funding and service are inadequate. The Southern Women's has not had a doctor for several months, the Adelaide Centre has a long waiting list, and the centre in the northern suburbs has not been taking new clients.
The outcry around the cessation of funds to the Adelaide Rape Crisis Centre has not subsided, yet the ALP statement argues that the government will improve services for victims of rape and sexual assault. Anne Levy, minister for health, stated publicly that the RCC was not closed for economic reasons — leaving many women activists wondering what the justification then was. [The writer is the Democratic Socialist candidate for the seat of Peake.]