Gender Equality Champion, Annette Musolino, is one of the leaders actively pressing for gender equality progress at DHS.
Award-winning Chief Legal Counsel champions gender equality at DHS
Following International Women’s Day last Thursday, the Department of Human Services revealed women are well-represented across the organisation, as more than 70 per cent of department staff and 46 per cent of the substantive Senior Executive Service are women.
The department’s Gender Equality Champion, Annette Musolino, is one of the leaders actively pressing for gender equality progress at the department.
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Annette Musolino at the ACC Australia In-house Lawyer Awards 2017 |
As Chief Counsel, Annette advises the Minister, Secretary and Executive on strategic and legal matters, and as the Gender Equality Champion she promotes an equitable and inclusive workplace for all staff.
“Gender equality isn’t about being blind to gender. It’s about challenging stereotypes to ensure we have the best people for the job,” Annette said.
“It’s about creating a workplace that supports all staff to do their best work.”
Last year, Annette was recognised by her peers as Government Lawyer of the Year at the 2017 Association of Corporate Counsel Australia In-House Lawyer Awards.
As the youngest of four daughters, Annette grew up in a hard-working family who greatly valued education. For women working their way towards senior positions, Annette is full of encouragement.
“Women in senior positions can feel pressure to conform to more traditional concepts of leadership rather than applying their own style,” she said.
“My advice is to find your own voice and be comfortable with your story and your leadership style.
“Put your hand up for the hardest projects, tackle difficult jobs and situations with courage and resilience, and be open to feedback, good and bad. When things don’t go to plan, accept that setbacks are an opportunity for growth. And growth is the key to progress.”
Coinciding with International Women’s week last week, the inaugural ACC Australia Women in the House luncheon took place in Melbourne.
Women in the House attendees at the inaugural event in Melbourne |
From left to right: Chief Legal Counsel of Jetstar Joanna Brand, CEO of Victorian Bar Sarah Fregon, Claire Bibby, and Jamila Rizvi |
The Women in the House luncheon will also be held in Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney.
Women in the House (WITH) seeks to foster the professional development of women as in-house counsel; support and engage women in their professional roles; and champion full and equal recognition of women in the legal profession. ACC Australia look forward to bringing together a community of like-minded female in-house lawyers, who support one another in the legal profession.
Posted 13/03/18
