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OfW Publications
Publications produced by the Australian Government Office for Women are available free of charge.
Please follow the links below to search for and order hard copies online. Alternatively an order form may be printed from this site and posted or faxed to National Mail and Marketing, our publication distributor.
Search for and order hard copy publications
You can search for and order publications in hard copy from National Mailing and Marketing's online Order Form. (Also follow this link if you prefer to print off an order form.)
Publications you can download
- General Publications
- Violence Against Women Publications
- International and Legal Publications
- Archived publications
General Publications
Trafficking of Women for Sexual Purposes
The OfW coordinates the Support for Victims of People Trafficking Program, which is delivered in partnership with the Attorney General’s Department (AGD), the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
OfW commissioned the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) to write the Trafficking of Women for Sexual Purposes report. The report is an analysis of the Australian Government’s responses to people trafficking. It comments that the response is evolving and makes a number of recommendations that are currently being considered by the Government.
The release of the report was announced by Minister Plibersek at the Australian Trafficking Forum on 24 July 2008.
Women and Superannuation – taking control of your future
Better Super
The Office for Women in partnership with the Australian Taxation Office has developed the brochure Women and Superannuation – taking control of your future.
The brochure will assist women in understanding the Australian Government’s superannuation initiatives (including the Better Super reforms) through effective communication of basic superannuation messages to women during their different life stages.
The topics in the brochure are often relevant to women under 40 years of age, such as: superannuation splitting; co-contributions; salary sacrificing; starting a new job; taking time off work to raise children; separation and divorce; planning for retirement; and finding lost superannuation.
Women and Superannuation – taking control of your future – 
PDF[1,000kb] | RTF[26kb]
If you would like a hard copy of the brochure please call National Mailing and Marketing on 1800 050 009 or alternatively call the Australian Taxation Office on 1300 720 092.
Fact Sheets
The Office for Women has developed a number of fact sheets as an easy reference guide for media, non-government organisations, academics and students, and anyone interested in the range of Australian Government measures which provide better opportunity and choice for Australian women.
The measures outlined in this set of fact sheets bring together the range of policies, strategies, services and benefits that have been specifically designed to support women in the key areas of health, financial literacy, employment, education and safety.
- Advancing Women in Education and Training – PDF[186kb]
- Informing and Listening to Women – PDF[250kb]
- Improving Women’s Superannuation and Financial Literacy – PDF[188kb]
- Keeping Women Safe from Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault – PDF[196kb]
- Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Women Internationally – PDF[193kb]
- Promoting and Supporting Women as Leaders in our Community – PDF[189kb]
- Supporting Women’s Health and Ageing – PDF[183kb]
- Supporting Women in the Workforce – PDF[190kb]
Financial Literacy among Marginalised Women - Research
The research report Financial Literacy among Marginalised Women provides insights into the barriers and challenges marginalised women face in becoming financially literate, and the opportunities they have to improve their financial literacy.
The research included a diverse range of women including carers, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Indigenous women, women with disabilities, single mothers, women in rural and remote locations, and older women including widows.
Financial Literacy among Marginalised Women – PDF[2,000kb]
Financial Literacy among Marginalised Women – summary information – PDF[1,000kb]
If you would like to request a hard copy of the publications please call National Mailing and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Effectively communicating superannuation and financial literacy messages to women
Women have very different financial needs than men and are more likely to require financial intervention or life-stage financial advice. In addition women access information differently to men and can respond differently to the same information.
The Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand Ministers' Conference on the Status of Women (MINCO) has developed the discussion paper Effectively communicating superannuation and financial literacy messages to women during their different life-stages and an accompanying summary guide Your guide to effectively communicating superannuation and financial literacy messages to women.
These documents aim to assist a wide range of organisations developing information about superannuation, including policy makers, community organisations and financial institutions with best-practice advice on how to better develop financial information specifically targeted at women.
Your guide to effectively communicating superannuation and financial literacy messages to women - PDF [256kb]
Effectively communicating superannuation and financial literacy messages to women during their different life stages - PDF [708kb]
If you would like to request a hard copy of the summary guide please call National Mail and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Mothers and Fathers with Young Children: paid employment, caring and wellbeing
Mothers and Fathers with Young Children: paid employment, caring and wellbeing provides an overview of the employment patterns of both mothers and fathers in Australia and how the use of child care, time spent with children, co-parenting and parental wellbeing are related to labour force participation.
The study is based on Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). The LSAC study, funded by the Australian Government, is Australia's first national longitudinal study of children. It is a broad, multi-disiplinary study that has been developed to examine the impact of Australia's unique social, economic and cultural environment on the next generation.
Mothers and Fathers with Young Children: paid employment, caring and wellbeing - HTML | PDF [858kb]
Women in Trade
The Women in Trade handbook takes you through the export process step by step and highlights the resources available. The handbook also contains profiles of women who are succeeding in export internationally, and provides their guidance and insights.
The publication was released at the APEC Women Leaders' Network Meeting in Port Douglas.
Women in Trade– PDF [23mb]
If you would like to request a hard copy of this publication please call National Mail and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Women and Exports
Women and Exports draws on data collected for the Sensis® Business Index and looks at the export behaviour of predominantly female-operated small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It examines how the export behaviours of predominantly female-operated SMEs compare with the export behaviours of SMEs in general.
This publication was released at the APEC Women Leaders' Network Meeting in Port Douglas.
Women and Exports– PDF [4,209kb]
If you would like to request a hard copy of this publication please call National Mail and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Sensis® Women's Business Index - February 2007 edition
The Sensis® Women's Business Index tracks confidence, behaviour and attitudes of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It analyses the Sensis® Business Index results by gender, and compares results for SMEs predominantly operated by females with SMEs in general.
This edition of the Sensis® Women's Business Index was printed for distribution at the APEC Women Leaders' Network Meeting in Port Douglas. Other editions can be found in electronic format on the OfW Small Business webpage.
Sensis® Women's Business Index February 2007 – PDF [3,746kb]
If you would like to request a hard copy of this publication please call National Mail and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Participation in sport and recreation by culturally and linguistically diverse women reports
Sport and recreation is an important part of Australian society, providing the individual and communities with valuable social capital building experiences and reflecting the role physical activity plays in our social and physical health and well-being.
It has been found that people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (CALD) are under-represented in the numbers of people participating in sport and physical recreation, particularly in the case of CALD women.
This research project (which was commissioned by the Office for Women in 2006) examines the factors that facilitate and/or inhibit CALD women’s participation in sport and recreational activities.
The research was conducted in three stages consisting of:
- a literature and data review;
- interviews with key stakeholders in sporting, cultural and women’s organisations; and
- focus groups with CALD women.
The literature and data review, as well as the stakeholder consultation report can be found at the SPRC website [www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/reports].
The final report, which brings together the three stages of the research, is expected to be publicly available in late 2007.
Unearthing New Resources: Attracting and Retaining Women in the Australian Minerals Industry
Unearthing New Resources examines the attitudes and experiences of women towards working in the minerals industry, along with strategies to improve women’s employment in the industry. The publication includes three separate research reports:
- Female Mining Engineering and Minerals Processing Students: Career Motivations, Expectations and Perceptions which presents the findings from a survey of relevant students and identifies factors that may facilitate or inhibit the attraction and retention of women in the industry;
- Retention of Women in the Minerals Industry which presents the findings of a survey and focus groups of women working at four mine sites; and
- Young Women, Career Expectations & the Minerals Industry which presents findings from a survey of first year university students and focus groups of students.
This research will be of interest to those currently working in the minerals industry, those thinking of working in this area, and especially to those women who have not considered a career in the minerals industry. It also offers a blueprint for other peak industry bodies on approaches to increasing the numbers of women in non‑traditional occupations and improving their industry’s engagement with women in the communities in which they operate.
If you would like to request a hard copy of this publication, call National Mailing and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Unearthing New Resources – PDF [4mb]
Women in Australia 2007
The Women in Australia 2007 report is the fourth of its kind in a series. It measures trends in population characteristics and family and living arrangements as well as women’s progress in education and training, labour force participation, economic resources, leadership and safety. It shows the significant achievements of Australian women and areas where the community needs to work together to improve opportunities and choice for women.
Women Entrepreneurs: 18 Inspiring Tales of Small Business Success
Women Entrepreneurs is an anthology of 18 women’s experiences as small business owners. The publication highlights some of the key challenges that women, in particular, face in every day business, and more importantly shows how they have overcome adversity.
Women Entrepreneurs also provides information of interest to all businesses; including pricing and cash management advice, recruitment and retention tips, staff management and suggestions about tapping into government support services as well as networks and mentoring relationships.
Women Entrepreneurs – PDF [5mb]
Women Entrepreneurs Fact Sheet – PDF [709kb]
If you would like to request a hard copy of this publication, call National Mailing and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Better Conditions, Better Business
Better Conditions, Better Business draws on survey data collected for the Sensis® Business Index, and contains important findings on family friendly and carer provisions in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The report highlights that many SMEs are responding flexibly to the needs of their employees and are reaping the business benefits in return.
The research found that many SMEs are achieving positive outcomes for their employees and their businesses by offering a broad range of family friendly provisions which help employees balance their work and family responsibilities. SME operators who provide carer and family friendly provisions to their staff reported benefits to their business such as less staff turnover, increased productivity and a better working environment.
Better Conditions, Better Business PDF (2mb)
Better Conditions, Better Business Fact Sheet – PDF [208kb]
If you would like to request a hard copy of this publication, call National Mailing and Marketing on 1800 050 009.
Aspects of Retirement for Older Women (2006)
The report, Aspects of Retirement for Older Women, compares key characteristics of retirement for men and women including reasons for retiring, transitions to retirement, life satisfaction, the effect of the presence of a spouse or partner and financial security. The report presents new findings about differences in life in retirement for single and partnered women, as well as confirming existing findings, for example the importance of education and health as factors influencing retirement.
The report was commissioned from Diana Warren of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics. The study is based on the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. The HILDA Survey, funded by the Australian Government, is a household-based study which collects information about economic well-being, labour market dynamics and family dynamics.
Aspects of Retirement for Older Women – PDF (1064 Kb)
Budget 2006-07 What the Australian Government is doing for Women
The Government has produced a Women's Budget Kit for the 2006-07 Budget that outlines all of the important measures for women in the Budget.
Budget 2006-07 Budget Quick Reference Card for Women
The Quick Reference Card sets out the Government's new initiatives for women.
What the Australian Government is doing for Women (2005)
A booklet which includes both new measures announced in the 2005-06 Budget, and ongoing initiatives that are currently being implemented by the Australian Government across a range of portfolios to support women to participate in their communities.
Format: PDF (445 Kb)
Women's Lifework: Labour market transition experiences of women
This report presents the findings of a study of the labour market transition experiences of Australian mothers who are balancing work and family responsibilities. It was commissioned by the Commonwealth, State, Territories and New Zealand Ministers Conference on the Status of Women (MINCO) and was undertaken by Ciara Smyth and Peter Siminski of the Social Policy Research Centre, and Margot Rawsthorne from the School of Social Work & Policy Studies, University of Sydney. The research employed a mixed method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data. It attempts to provide a better understanding of mothers' labour market experiences, their work preferences and the factors that constrain or facilitate their ability to balance their parenting and paid employment roles over the life course.
Format: PDF (468 Kb)
Women in Australia 2004
A statistical 'snapshot' of the lives of Australian women.
Format: PDF (876 Kb)
'It's not for lack of wanting kids...' A report on the Fertility Decision Making Project
A report commisioned from the Australian Institute of Family Studies that provides an in-depth analysis of Australians' aspirations, expectations and ideals on having children. and provides an insight into factors people consider when deciding this issue.
How Australia led the way: Dora Meeson Coates and British Suffrage
This research monograph was written by Myra Scott as part of the Australian Government's centenary of women's suffrage celebrations. It tells the story of Australia's involvement and contribution to Great Britain's turbulent struggle for women's franchise and the role of the suffrage banner painted by Dora Meeson Coates.
Format : PDF (424 Kb) By order
Look Where Science Can Take You
This is an exciting education resource to encourage and inspire female students in years 9 to 11 to pursue higher studies in science.This is the first resource in the Your Career, Your Choice series which has been initiated by the Australian Government through the Office for Women.
Look Where Science Can Take You
The Cost of Domestic Violence to the Australian Economy
Senator the Hon Kay Patterson, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, released a report on 22 October 2004, The Cost of Domestic Violence to the Australian Economy by Access Economics Pty Ltd. This project is a world-first in estimating the total extent of the costs of domestic violence economy-wide.
This groundbreaking study, commissioned under the Australian Government’s Partnerships Against Domestic Violence initiative, has found that domestic violence cost Australia $8.1 billion in the year 2002-03. Nearly half of the cost is borne, as expected, by the victims of violence, but many other groups within the family and the community more broadly also bear the costs of this violence.
Domestic violence has been ranked in the top five risks to women’s health in Australia. It is responsible for more ill-health and premature death in Australian women than other well-known risk factors to health such as high cholesterol, illicit drugs or unsafe sex.
Download the main report PDF (418Kb)
Download the supporting volume PDF (357Kb)
Following publication of the report a Corrigendum was released to correct errors in two tables contained within the report. Download the Corrigendum – PDF (15kb)
Note: You can order publications in hard copy from National Mailing and Marketing's online Order Form
Health and experiences of violence among young women
OfW commissioned Women’s Health Australia to undertake an analysis of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health data to explore the impact of violence on young women’s reproductive health.
The study found that violence against women is associated with serious reproductive outcomes including unwanted and unplanned pregnancies, high rates of abortion, low birth-weight and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. Violence against women also impacts on their general physical and mental health.
Download an abridged summary of the study -
The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health - Health and experiences of violence among young women - PDF (312kb)
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
CEDAW is the major human rights treaty for women and was ratified by Australia in 1983. To date, 169 States have become parties to CEDAW, making it one of the most widely ratified international human rights instruments. The Convention brings together in a single comprehensive human rights treaty, the provisions of previous United Nations instruments concerning discrimination on the basis of sex and extends them even further. OfW has responsibility for monitoring Australia's obligations under CEDAW, including preparation of Australia's report under the Convention (required every four years) and providing advice on new developments relating to CEDAW.
Progress with implementation of the Convention is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women primarily through considering the reports of state parties. Women in Australia - Australia's Combined Fourth and Fifth Reports on Implementing the United Nation's Convention Against the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was released in 2003.
Format : PDF (642
Kb) By order contact OfW on 1800 808 863
Women 2003
The comprehensive guide to all Australian Government initiatives for women. Published: 2003
Format : PDF (595 Kb) By order
Budget 2004-05 - What the Australian Government is doing for women
Outlines the commitments for women in the 2004-05 Budget.
Format : PDF -
(323Kb) By order
2004-05 Budget Quick Reference Card for Women
Highlights Document and Ministerial Statement
Format : HTML , PDF -
Highlights (476 Kb)
Women's Budget Statement 2003-04
Outlines the commitments for women in the 2003-04 Budget.
Format : HTML , PDF (162 Kb) By order
Women in Australia 2001
The second in a series of biennial publications on the lives and experiences of Australian women. The publication collates and analyses a range of statistical information on women, including data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, to present a comprehensive statistical profile of women's lives. The theme for 2001 - women in rural and remote Australia.
2nd Edition Published: 2002
Format : Part 1 (143 Kb) Part 2 (1093 Kb) Part 3 (2093 Kb) Part 4 (286 Kb) By order
Women in Australia 1999
The first in a series of biennial publications on the lives and experiences of Australian women. The publication collates and analyses a range of statistical information on women, including data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, to present a comprehensive statistical profile of women's lives.
Format : HTML By order
Working for Women, OSW Strategic Directions 2001- 2003
The OSW strategic plan to the year 2003 builds upon the substantial advances
toward equality women have made throughout the last century; celebrates and
respects the choices, contributions and diversity of Australian women; recognises
that despite these advances there are still barriers to women participating
fully and equally in society; and, identifies strategies to meet the moral
and ethical imperative to improve the status of, and opportunities for, women
and contribute to improving the lives of women around the world. Published:
2001
Format : HTML PDF (255 Kb)
Working from Inside: Twenty Years of the Office of the Status of Women
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Office of the Status of Women, this book traces its history through the eyes of supporters and critics, bureaucrats and politicians. The authors describe the achievements, battles and disappointments.
Format : By order
National Framework for Women in Local Government
Format : By order
Women in Trade
Provides information on the resources available to women entering the export market. Published: 2003
Format : PDF (315 Kb) By order
Every Woman's Guide to Getting into Politics 2nd Edition 1996
Format : By order
State and Territory Consultations with Migrant and Refugee Women
Format : PDF (243 Kb) By order (A056047)
Honouring Women brochure
Format : PDF (171 Kb)
Action Women
Volunteers Shaping the Person, Shaping Australia
Format : By order (A056311)
- You need the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open PDF file.You can download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader from the Adobe website .
Violence Against Women Publications
Non-Reporting and Hidden Recording of Sexual Assault: An International Literature Review
This report is an international literature review of published and unpublished crime and justice sources on the issue of non-reporting and the 'hidden' recording of sexual assault against females aged 16 years and older (including prisoners, Indigenous women and women from Non-English speaking backgrounds.
Format : PDF (489Kb) By order
The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health - Health and experiences of violence among young women
Format : PDF (312kb)
Against the Odds: How Women Survive Domestic Violence
Format : By order
National Rural Domestic Violence Kit
Format : By order
- You need the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open PDF file.You can download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader from the Adobe website .
International and Legal Publications
United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women Beijing 1995
Format : By order
Beijing Plus 5 Action Plan 2001-2005
Format : PDF (571Kb) By order (A056559)
Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action - Australian Government Response 2000
Format : HTML
Fourth UN World Conference in Women: Platform for Action Australia's Implementation report April 1997
Format : By order
Beijing Information Kit 1995
Format : By order
- You need the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open PDF file.You can download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader from the Adobe website .