ACT Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson, has announced the members of the 2026-28 Women’s Advisory Council for Gender Equity.
The council will bring together women with expertise in advancing gender equality across academia, public and community services, the private sector and social enterprises in the ACT, as well as nationally and internationally.
Drawing on their professional knowledge and lived experience, Council members will provide the ACT Government with crucial advice on issues affecting women, girls and gender‑diverse people, helping to shape future policy and drive meaningful change.
The Council will be Chaired by Helen Dalley Fisher AM, who was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2025 for services to women, girls and human rights.
The new members are:
- Helen Dalley Fisher AM (Chair)
- Dr Joyce Das (Deputy Chair)
- Brahmmi Kumarasamy
- Prudence Mooney
- Shelby Schofield
- Professor Michelle Ryan
- Joyce Graham
- Siobhan Hobbs
- Lauren Beckman
Minister Paterson congratulated the new council members, saying they bring significant experience and expertise to their roles.
“The ACT Government is committed to comprehensive and progressive policies to address gender inequality, including through improving health, economic and social outcomes for women, girls and gender diverse people and addressing the prevalence of domestic, family and sexual violence in our community,” she said.
“I’m incredibly excited to work with the new Council members, who play a vital role connecting Government with the community and working with us to develop and implement our policies. A key agenda item for this Council will be helping to shape the next plan for women, girls and gender equity, which will set out the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment towards gender equality.”
Ms Fisher said making progress on gender equality “isn’t just a nice idea or a way of being kind”.
“Gender equality is critical to everyone’s wellbeing and security. Decades of research has shown that communities with higher levels of gender equality are more cohesive, better equipped to deal with change and have better economic growth and health outcomes,” she said.
“The ACT has a strong record in addressing gender inequality, and I’m looking forward to working with the Council and the Minister to bring the voices of local women, girls and gender diverse people to the development of the next plan for women, girls and gender equity.”
Deputy Chair of the Women’s Advisory Council for Gender Equity, Dr Joyce Das said she was honoured to serve as Deputy Chair.
“This appointment represents an opportunity to amplify the voices of diverse women across our community, particularly those from multicultural and marginalised backgrounds who often face systemic barriers,” said Dr Das.
”I am committed to working collaboratively with the Council to advance meaningful changes in gender equity and address critical gender equity issues, with a particular focus on improving responses to gender-based violence and fostering economic empowerment for all women in the ACT.
“Together, we will ensure that the next ACT Women’s Plan reflects the lived experiences and aspirations of our entire community,” she said.
