"The appointment of an Advisory Board will establish high speed links between the Agency and business, and I mean links that will work both ways," Ms Krautil said.

"The new Board will give us the inside information on business and organisational needs.

"Present research shows that it will take 177 years before women reach equity in management, and that progress is slowing.

"This is just one of the areas needing improvement. For businesses to gain a competitive edge there needs to be a culture which encourages full participation from women in all areas of the workplace.

"By removing the red tape and paperwork burdens which the current legislation imposes, and by working together with business to find solutions, improvements for all working people will be made," Ms Krautil said.

The initial priorities for the Advisory Board will be to give advice on:
· Designing an improved reporting system; Targeting businesses and organisations most needing assistance;
· Developing educational materials; and· Preparing guidelines on practical ways to provide equal employment opportunities.

Advisory Board Members

Chair – Deanne Bevan
Ms Bevan is currently the Vice President/Director of Employee Relations at McDonalds Australia Ltd. She was the Chair of the Independent Committee that reviewed the Affirmative Action legislation.

Gracia Baylor
Mrs Baylor is the Immediate Past President of the National Council of Women of Australia. She is also the Deputy Convenor of the Victorian Women’s Council, and trustee of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. She owns and runs a successful food and catering business.

Therese Bryant
Ms Bryant is the National Women’s Coordinator for the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association. She is also a member of the Victorian Wholesale, Retail and Personal Services Industry Training Board.

Julie Flynn
Ms Flynn is the Network News Director and Olympic Operations Manager for Radio 2UE in Sydney.

Jane Goodluck
Ms Goodluck is the Human Resource Manager for the Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance.

Reg Hamilton
Mr Hamilton is the Manager, Labour Relations with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Lorraine Martin
Ms Martin is the Managing Director of Lorraine Martin and Associates Pty Ltd in Queensland. She is also the Managing Director of Women Entrepreneurs Capital Access Network Pty Ltd.

Brendan McCarthy
Mr McCarthy is the Director of Operations at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia. Mr McCarthy was part of the Independent Committee that reviewed the Affirmative Action legislation.

Rohan Squirchuk
Ms Squirchuk is the Managing Director for the Council of Equal Opportunity in Employment Ltd.

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