2008 CLW LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR WOMEN
Award: Finalist
Juliet Bourke
In 2003 Juliet Bourke established the Taskforce on Care Costs, a strategic alliance between business and community organisations to investigate the relationship between work and the cost of care (for children, elders and people with a disability) and to advocate reforms which were fair, economically sustainable and provided carers with real choice.
Between 2003 and 2007 Juliet led TOCC, providing it with direction and energy. During this period TOCC published four major research reports on work/care issues and solutions, raised community awareness of the work/cost of care dynamic (via sustained media coverage and an e-card campaign) and stimulated the adoption of key work/family election policies.
In particular in 2007, as
part of its election policy the ALP committed to increase the childcare tax
rebate to cover 50% of out-of-pocket expenses (capped at $7,500 pa). This
commitment reflects a specific recommendation made by TOCC to reduce the high
cost of care, and increase levels of workforce participation.
Juliet Bourke was chosen as a Finalist for being the
driving force behind the Taskforce since its inception.
Her achievement
brought about a profound contribution to the national debate on how to support
carers.
In inspiring a wide range of business and non-government
stakeholders to join together to investigate the issues around work and care,
Juliet created a benchmark model for how to
synthesize the talents, resources and interests of disparate entities to meet a
common need.
Juliet Bourke's formal note of thanks:
"Thank you to CLW and Diann Rodgers-Healey for developing
an award which celebrates women’s leadership. In our busy lives, it is lovely to
have a moment to reflect on our collective achievements. It is a
particular honour to receive this award now knowing about the wonderful ways in
which the other nominees have used their fantastic skills and experiences to
create a better Australia. To me, this award recognizes the work of the
Taskforce on Care Costs as a whole, a fantastic group of women and men who have
shown an amazing commitment to improving outcomes for working families, and a
spirit of quiet generosity and initiative.