The National Women’s Alliances (the Alliances) represent over 180 women’s organisations from across Australia. They bring forward the views, voices and issues of Australian women and, in particular, women from marginalised and disadvantaged groups. The Alliances take the lead in ensuring that the voices of as many women as possible are heard, especially those who in the past have found it difficult to engage in advocacy and decision making.

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet commissioned an independent review of the Alliances in 2015.  The review was conducted by KPMG and completed in March 2016.

KPMG found that the Alliance model is effective and recommended a range of improvements to strengthen the Alliances’ relationships with each other, with government and with the many and diverse women of Australia.

KPMG made seven recommendations:

• establish clearer links between the Australian Government’s priorities and the work of Alliances;
• clarify the role and purpose of the Alliances;
• define measurable and achievable outcomes;
• Adopt a risk-based approach to contract management;
• nurture a  more strategic relationship between the Alliances and the Office for Women;
• encourage and support greater inter-Alliance collaboration.
• direct and support the Alliances to increase representation of marginalised women.

The Office for Women is working closely with the Minister for Women, and in consultation with the Alliances, to implement KPMG’s recommendations.

View the report.