Training   NSW  

“On the record” – building know-how for new women MPs

Photo of a small group of women inside the NSW parliament chamber, Australian and Aboriginal flags in the background

Study tour report

The Hon. Gabrielle Upton, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, June 2023

The Hon. Gabrielle Upton undertook a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association study tour of the USA, Canada and UK in March 2023 to understand the possible models for a practical induction program and other initiatives to equip new women MPs in the NSW Parliament.

Australian parliaments have traditionally been male-dominated institutions which has led to a masculine culture being reflected in parliament’s practices and conventions. A critical mass of women MPs in the NSW Parliament would lead to a welcome cultural change. In the meantime, a practical induction program for new women MPs in the first three months of a new parliament would better equip them for their role.

– the Hon. Gabrielle Upton

The report proposes two key recommendations:

Recommendation 1

Introduce a practical induction program for new women MPs within the first three months of a new NSW Parliament.

Recommendation 2

Establish an All Party Women’s Committee as a formal standing committee of the NSW Parliament.


Download the report

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