Conference to discuss workplace reforms

Delegates attending the International Women’s Conference in Toowoomba will gain an international perspective on dealing with Industrial Relations reforms and Welfare to Work changes.

The conference, which will be held from 26-29 September 2007, is a University of Southern Queensland (USQ) 40th Anniversary keystone event.

Conference Project Champion Pauline Collins said the recent changes impacting women in the workplace was a factor behind organising the conference.

'We decided to organise the conference partially in response to the Welfare to Work changes and Industrial Relations reforms,' Ms Collins said.

'We realised labour reforms were occurring globally and wanted to share experiences to learn how women getting an education and employment deal with reforms in different countries.'

More than 90 papers will be presented during the conference from women around the world, focusing on the central themes of the conference - Education, Employment and Everything…the triple layers of a woman’s life.

Any profits from the conference will be allocated to assisting women in education, Ms Collins said.

'If we manage to get any profits from the conference they will be directed towards assisting women in obtaining an education.

'Depending on the type of support we can obtain we may be able to improve the childcare or breastfeeding facilities on the USQ campus or put money towards scholarships for women.

'If we had enough money we may be able to support women from the Young Women’s Place in the transition from TAFE to university.'

Non-profit organisations, USQ Women’s Network Inc. and Young Women’s Place Inc. are two of the four bodies involved in organising the conference.
 
'It’s being run on a volunteer basis. Other than a grant from USQ for the 40th Anniversary celebrations, and in kind support, it has basically been women trying to support women.

'We have been fortunate enough to have sponsorship from the Office for Women, The Toowoomba Chronicle, Toowoomba City Council and the Business, Science and Education faculties at USQ which has helped but we are still seeking more sponsors.'

Ms Collins said members of the Toowoomba community will benefit from the event.

'It is an international event that will provide an opportunity to showcase this city.

'Local business will certainly benefit from global exposure with people from more than 20 countries attending.'

The early-bird deadline to attend the conference has been extended until Friday, August 3 2007. To register to attend, visit the website www.usq.edu.au/iwc2007 or call the organising team on 07 4631 5476 or email: iwc2007@usq.edu.au

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559