As a result, in NSW, Queensland, WA, Tasmania and the ACT women attained 50 per cent representation in at least one of the major organisations. Women are almost half of the Government-appointed delegates, and 38 per cent of the elected delegates. However, by making political representation in state or federal parliament a condition for 40 positions, the gender imbalance amongst premiers and opposition leaders at state level, and in both major parties federally, has contributed to the under-representation of women as parliamentary delegates. The WCC is an additional rather than an alternative forum for women, initiated by women from several non-government women's organisations. While it has no official link to the People's Convention, it nevertheless seeks to enhance both the education of women and the representation of women's interests with respect to a republic.
Survey research suggests that women think they know less about civic issues than men.
Smaller discussion groups will then examine in more detail points raised by these papers, thereby providing all women with an opportunity to discuss the range of possible alternatives. The WCC aims to enhance the representation of women's interests at the People's Convention by preparing a list of outcomes or positions resulting from group discussions. Organisers acknowledge that total agreement between a diverse range of women will be difficult to achieve. However, a final session will seek to arrive at a general WCC position on what future directions, visions and positive resolutions best reflect the views and concerns of the women present, which will then be tabled at the People's Convention. With our existing constitution being drafted by an elected constitutional convention, a precedent was set for popular involvement in constitution-making in Australia.