The Department for Women (DFW) has developed a Gender Analysis Checklist for Government agencies to use in the review of Community Service Obligations (CSOs).

This checklist, which has been developed as part of the NSW Government Action Plan for Women, aims to ensure that differential effects for women and men and any gender specific needs are identified and considered in the review of CSOs/Social Programs delivered by Government Trading Enterprises.

Gender differential analysis highlights the fact that government policies can have different outcomes for different groups, whether the differences relate to gender, race, age or socio-economic background. The principles developed in the gender analysis checklist could equally be applied to assess policy implications for any particular disadvantaged population group.

I strongly encourage you to refer to and apply the checklist when undertaking CSO reviews. This type of analysis can facilitate more equitable outcomes for disadvantaged groups in policy development and service delivery. It also fosters an understanding among policy makers that equal outcomes will not result from treating everyone in a uniform way.

While certain elements of the checklist will not be applicable in all cases, agencies reviewing their Community Service Obligations will be able to draw upon the range of checks considered relevant to their program.

A copy of the checklist is attached. Supplementary material referred to in the document is available from Kate Parker, Policy Officer, DFW on (02) 9334 1176.

Please bring this matter to the attention of the appropriate agencies in your administration. This checklist is also commended for adoption in State Owned Corporations.

C. Gellatly
Director-General