Policy Area: Women's Issues

Statement of General Direction:

• Parties affirm their commitment to the Ministry of Women's Affairs.
• That greater participation of NGOs in women's policy development be supported and encouraged.
• Parties are committed to the National Cervical Screening Programme.
• Parties are committed to the introduction of the National Breast Screening Programme over the next three years to cover all women from 50 to 65.

Key Initiatives of Policy:

Agree in principle to establishing a Parliamentary Officer to be known as the Women's Commissioner, whose role would be one of advocacy in cooperation with the Ministry of Women's Affairs.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Equal Employment Opportunity Trust in terms of progress being made in advancing pay equity and consider whether any fur ther non-legislative initiatives are required to progress the closing of the pay gap.

Review current child care policies to better integrate existing services and reduce barriers to women seeking financial independence.

Resource violence prevention and education programmes within schools and the community.

Fund increase to Equal Employment Opportunity Trust, on basis of a $2:$1 Government/private sector subsidy.

Funding of Maori Women's Development Fund is assured for continuation.

That a business plan for a time use survey is almost completed. Whether there is a funding shortfall is not yet clear. Both Parties agreed this was a high priority.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:

Increase in funding required not yet quantified:

(a) Women's Commissioner - $1 million per annum

(b) Possible increase for Ministry of Women's Affairs

(c) Survey of unpaid work/time use - up to $2 million.

Could range from nil to $4 million over three years depending on decisions taken in future Budget discussions.

(All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters.)

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement:

If a Women's Commissioner is established, legislation would be required.