All About WEL in the 21st Century
Women’s Electoral Lobby began in Melbourne in February 1972 when Beatrice Faust with ten other women organised a survey of candidates for election. Responses were coded and scored. Australian women joined the call for measures to combat discrimination against women and were encouraged to “Think WEL before you vote”. Since then WEL, as a feminist non-party organisation, has been acknowledged as a major political force and is regularly invited to participate by government and non-government bodies in community affairs.
Lobbying is what WEL is good at and we utilise modern technology to enable greater participation. Members are provided with contact information about Federal and State politicians so they can email, fax or phone their local member and contact the appropriate Federal or State Minister on issues of concern to women. Women who have expertise in this and other matters are encouraged to join WEL. We welcome all supporters, if you are busy we appreciate comments on policies, and ideas are really welcome.
WEL Australia is a member of ERA, the Equal Rights Alliance group which seeks funding for industrial engagement, economic security and gendered poverty, leadership and participation, health and wellbeing for women.
Learn all about the history of WEL since the 1972 inauguration in Melbourne, Victoria. Visit http://wel.anu.edu.au