NSW Australian of the Year goes to Elizabeth Broderick

Due to what she achieved during her eight years as sex discrimination commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick is now named the 2016 NSW Australian of the Year. Broderick championed for campaigns improving economic security for women, promoting greater female representation in leadership, and curbing gender-based violence and sexual harassment while she was first appointed to the role in September 2007. In order to encourage a greater number of women into decision-making positions, she called for changes to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles, and also led the Review into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force.

“There is no better job in the world than that because I loved everything about that job,” she said. “I also got the chance to work with individuals who wanted to bring some change in their own boundaries of expertise and influence,” she said. Broderick also said that she has taken more holistic approach when tackling issues related to gender equality. She also shifted the focus from competitive gender politics when it came to pushing towards inclusiveness. She also said that many people think that gender equality only benefits the women and that it is a zero-sum game to men, but her experience has made her to view the issue in a different perspective. As a matter of fact, she believes that it is about both women and men joining hands together towards creating a more stable and equal Australia.

Broderick said she already knew what was in store for her in 2016 after finishing in her role as sex discrimination commissioner in September this year. In addition, she is planning to make some great changes with her new title as NSW Australian of the Year. “In order to create tangible change, I will have to connect with those I need to connect with,” she said. She added that this will make other people feel on board and excited at the same time. There are some people whom she knows can influence change and this program will be working with all the incredible people in NSW and also beyond.

Conclusively, Broderick said that positive results stem from the critical issues becoming humanised, when she was describing the qualities she brings to her work. She also added that what she has realised is that she can take the personal to the heart of power since it is one of the things she can bring. She is planning to create significant change in Australia and that’s what she is going to do. On the other hand, Broderick has received two honorary doctorates of law from the University of Technology and the University of Sydney. She was also the winner of the 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2014.