Page 5436 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 16 November 2011

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Question put:

That Mr Coe’s motion be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 5

Noes 10

Mr Coe

Mr Smyth

Mr Barr

Mr Hargreaves

Mr Doszpot

Dr Bourke

Ms Hunter

Mr Hanson

Ms Bresnan

Ms Le Couteur

Mr Seselja

Ms Burch

Ms Porter

Mr Corbell

Mr Rattenbury

Question so resolved in the negative.

Rostered ministers question time

Minister for Women

Women’s Information and Referral Centre

MS PORTER: Could you inform the Assembly of the range of programs and support services offered by this government through the Women’s Information and Referral Centre?

MS BURCH: I thank Ms Porter for her question. The Women’s Information and Referral Centre offers free information and referral services on a range of issues. It provides a supportive and confidential environment to enable women and their families to make informed decisions and achieve self-determination.

Services include an information phone line, referral appointments, a drop-in service, free internet access, access to a lending library, support groups, information sessions, personal and professional development courses and access to a wealth of relevant information such as brochures, publications, books and journals. The centre also runs free sessions for women wanting to enter or re-enter the workforce, information sessions on family law and domestic violence support groups.

Additionally, the centre administers the government’s return to work grants program, which provides women returning to the paid workforce with assistance to reach this goal. The primary objective of the program is to assist women who are in receipt of low incomes and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women, from diverse backgrounds, young or with disabilities, to increase their financial independence.

WIRC produces a community calendar for women and a biannual publication that provides information on courses, workshops and support programs and events. The publication is widely utilised by service providers and individuals alike. About 6,000 printed copies were distributed to community organisations and individuals. WIRC also produced the 2011 International Women’s Day centenary program of events, which listed activities throughout the year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. The publications, including a directory of women’s

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