The examination of the Australian government's reaction to second - wave feminism and the implications it created for Australian women, allows us to view the 1970's as a period of social growth for women as they gained political awareness and feminist consciousness. Unhappy with their position in Australian society, women's anger and frustration generated a demand for change as women fought to have their issues heard in the political domain.

Second-wave feminism hit Australia at the end of 1969 and created a movement of

political groups which criticised the expected role of Australian women in their society. These women pushed to identify with their right to decide to define themselves, and to be autonomous, responsible individuals. 2

The women's liberation movement was focused on a revolution pushing for women to

change their perception of themselves and society. Emphasis was placed on raising female awareness and promoting personal transformation. Women began to

acknowledge the institutions which were contributing to their subordinatio

Men were and many argue still are, deemed legitimate in status and role articulation, whilst a women's attempt at political life were looked upon as deviant because they conflicted with her duty in the home and to her family. 4 A women's power is thus confined to the domestic sphere where it has functioned traditionally.

Considerations, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1974

access into public life could not be ignored. Television and radio increased and

Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, Australian Government Publishing

* United Nations and the Advancement of Women; 1945 - 1995, Blue Books Series,

accelerated it's political impact. Publicity was supportive of WEL and it's issues. WEL was operating through established channels of communication and Australian considered them as acceptable. WEL was seen as a powerful yet non-threatening force in Australian politics and society. It's lack of radical tactics appealed to many women.

With six days of office, Whitlam had re-opened moves for the equal pay case,

The Supporting Mothers Benefit was introduced in 1973 for single women with

Politics has traditionally been envisaged as a public realm for man, based on the characteristics of the masculine stereotype. Women's participation in contrast, is considered small and irrelevant. This masculine structure of Australian politics defines those who do not participate or succeed according to it's male-oriented structures, as failures; thus excluding women. This notion confines women to domesticity socially and hence politically.

Reid's achievements in politics must take into consideration the extraordinary

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Reid Reid's, Telegraph WEL's, House Representatives, Women's Australia, Prime Ministers, Elizabeth Reid, NAC NAC, Lobby WEL, Employees Act, australian society, australian government, women's movement, whitlam government, australian women, child care, women australian, women australian society, national advisory, public life, jan mercer penguin, advisory committee, ed jan mercer, australian society ed, society ed jan,
Approximate Word count = 2929
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)