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.