The Premier, Mr Kennett has launched VicWomen, a service that will replace the Victorian Women’s Register in providing a register for government departments seeking Victorian women for leadership roles on government boards and committees.

Management of the new directory has been taken over by the Waite Group following a competitive tendering process.

VicWomen will have a state-of-the-art database managing registrant information; and government departments requesting information on potential candidates would be presented with a shortlist within 48 hours.

Minister for Women’s Affairs Jan Wade said VicWomen would include promotional strategies to increase awareness among women, particularly women out of the paid workforce.

"VicWomen will be widely promoted throughout Victoria, and candidates contacted every six months to ensure their details are always up-to-date. Women applying for inclusion on the register will also be required to provide references, a detailed resume and undergo a brief interview; much like applying for a job," Mrs Wade added.

Women occupy about one in four positions on government boards and committees.

Women with skills in a wide-range of areas including health, architecture, administration, business, science, tourism, community activities, nature conservation and sport are encouraged to apply for registration.

Women on the previous Register have already been contacted and their details transferred to VicWomen. Any woman wishing to apply for VicWomen can contact either the Office of Women’s Affairs on (03) 9651 0530 or the Waite Group on (03) 9629 6333.

Training will be provided for inaugural appointees on boards and committees.

There is no cost to join the directory, apart from the cost of preparing and sending in a resume.

All registrant information will be confidentially secured on a computerised database system. Access will only be given to key Waite Group personnel.

Between 1993 and 1998 4918 women have been appointed to government boards and committees.