The role of women in The Nationals

The Nationals are responsive to community changes and recognise the wide diversity of interests within society.

For many years women have served in various positions on the Party's State Council and together with the five Zone State Councillors play a major role in Party affairs.

We had the first female President of any major Australian political party when in 1976 Mrs Shirley McKerrow was elected to that office. She has since, also served terms as Federal President; another first for a woman.

This changing role was acknowledged further when the women of the Party decided in 1978 to suspend the Women's Section Central Executive and the Women's Section Conference in favour of a fuller participation on State Council and at State Conference.

Victorian women have made and continue to make valuable contributions at Federal Council level of the Party. This body coordinates the work of the state organisations.

The Five Zones

For organisational purposes so far as the women of The Nationals are concerned, the State of Victoria is divided into five zones (see map above).

These five zones are based on Assembly Electorate District Council areas and each is represented by one person on State Council who in turn represent the women of The Nationals in that area.