7am in 2023: The Trailblazer
Dec 19, 2023 •
Australia can claim a significant world first: a special government adviser on Women’s Affairs. Fifty years ago, Elizabeth Reid stepped into the newly created role in Gough Whitlam’s government.
What motivated her? How did the job change her? And why did she leave Australia once it was over?
7am in 2023: The Trailblazer
1136 • Dec 19, 2023
7am in 2023: The Trailblazer
Australia can claim a significant world first: a special government adviser on Women’s Affairs.
Fifty years ago, Elizabeth Reid stepped into the newly created role in Gough Whitlam’s government.
Abortion access, workplace rights, contraception and education – it was a time of huge change in gender parity and access. But the reaction to Reid and the new position was vicious in some circles. She resigned just two and a half years into the job.
What motivated her? How did the job change her? And why did she leave Australia once it was over?
Today, we’re looking back on this interview between Ruby Jones and Elizabeth Reid, one of our favourite episodes of 2023.
(This episode was first published in May 2023.)
Guest: Women’s affairs adviser to Gough Whitlam, Elizabeth Reid.
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7am is a daily show from The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.
It’s produced by Kara Jensen-Mackinnon, Zoltan Fecso and Cheyne Anderson.
Our technical producer is Atticus Bastow. Our editor is Scott Mitchell.
Sarah McVeigh is our head of audio. Erik Jensen is our editor-in-chief.
Mixing by Andy Elston, Travis Evans and Atticus Bastow.
Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.
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