Federal Member for Whitlam Carol Berry has welcomed the establishment of the new Network of Women in Parliament (NOW), which will bring together women from across the political spectrum to share experiences and support one another.
The network will officially launch on November 24 and aims to promote a safer, more respectful and inclusive parliamentary culture. Berry said women in public life often face common challenges regardless of political affiliation and the initiative would help encourage greater participation in public life.
The announcement follows the recent attack on independent MP Helen Haines, with Berry using the opportunity to call for a national conversation about rising levels of aggression and abuse in public life and workplaces.
The inaugural NOW event will also raise funds for Save the Children, the charity nominated by Helen Haines, as a show of support for her and her family.
