[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Women's Honour Roll-Fair Process Guarantee Needed_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

CONGRATULATIONS TO TASMANIAN WOMEN RECOGNISED ON HONOUR ROLL

But is the Process Fair...?

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens Spokesperson on Women

Saturday, 8 August 2009
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today warmly acknowledge the contributions made by
the 30 Tasmanian women who have this year been inducted onto the Honour
Roll of Women, including former ALP Attorney-General, Judy Jackson who
is joining previous ALP inductee Fran Bladel, although queried whether
the process is impartial given the exclusion two years running of senior
Green women who have made outstanding contributions in their chosen
fields.

Greens Women's spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP agreed with Minister
Michelle O'Byrne that it is important that Tasmanian women are,
"recognised for their inspirational leadership, compassion and
commitment in their chosen field", but argued that this recognition must
extend across political boundaries to include Green and Liberal women.
[1]

"Last year the nomination to have recognised the first female Leader of
a recognised Tasmanian political party - Christine Milne - did not
succeed.  This year after 15 years representing people in the state
parliament, six of which as Leader of the Tasmanian Greens, Peg Putt's
nomination put forward by Liz Dombrovskis was also knocked back," Ms
O'Connor said.

"Both Christine Milne and Peg Putt have been role models for Tasmanian
women and passionate advocates for a sustainable future for Tasmania and
its people."

"Before entering State Parliament Ms Putt was the Director of the
Tasmanian Conservation Trust, and established the Threatened Species
Network. In the State Parliament she was a driving force behind securing
the state's current invaluable GE-free status and her advocacy work on
behalf of the Aboriginal community has been recognised by Aboriginal
leaders as well as ex-Premiers Jim Bacon and Paul Lennon."

"Just as Judy Jackson's contribution to social justice has been
deservedly recognised by the Honour Roll, so too do Christine Milne and
Peg Putt deserve their place on the Honour Roll."

"The Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women is poorer for the absence of such
people." 

"The Greens congratulate all inductees onto the Tasmanian Honour Roll of
Women as their achievements deserve acknowledgement but to encourage
future nominees there needs to be a guarantee that the Tasmanian Honour
Roll of Women will reflect the achievements of women across all
political, social and professional fields, to avoid concerns of
potential political bias in determining those who are recognised and
those who are not."

[1] Media statement, Minister Michelle O'Byrne, Thirty women recognised
for their contribution to Tasmania, 7 August 2009.




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