Women in NSW 2012 presents compelling data on indicators that compare women and men in terms of health, education, work and financial security, leadership, and safety and access to justice. It also provides examples of progress on gender equality in NSW and, where possible, compares NSW with the nation as a whole.

Public sector agencies and the business and community sectors are encouraged to use this valuable new source of information and benchmark data to inform policy development and program design.

Women NSW (formerly the Office for Women's Policy) in the Department of Family and Community Services led the development of Women in NSW 2012, drawing on data and advice from across a range of NSW Government agencies.

Information in the report was sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics collections, the Household Income and Labour Dynamics Australia longitudinal survey, and NSW Government surveys and administrative collections.

While some of this information is already publicly available, Women in NSW 2012 collates the information in a form that is accessible and easy to use and understand.

Publication of Women in NSW 2012 fulfils an election commitment to publish an annual report on the status of women in NSW. It is also consistent with the NSW Government's commitment to improve transparency by increasing access to government information (Goal 31, NSW 2021).

Women NSW will be consulting during the remainder of 2012 on information raised in the report and the content for future reports.

Chris Eccles
Director General