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Fifty years ago, the first ever women's adviser to the PM was appointed. Here's why that's significant today

Elizabeth Reid was the world's first ever adviser on women's issues appointed by a head of government.

Elizabeth Reid was the first person in the world to be appointed to the role of adviser on women's issues to a head of government 50 years ago today. Source: Supplied / Elizabeth Reid

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Today marks 50 years since an historic appointment - the creation of the role women's adviser to the prime minister in an Australian-first and a world-first.

Elizabeth Reid was appointed to the role on 8 April, 1973, serving in the role for two-and-a-half years in the Gough Whitlam government.

She reflects on that history-making moment with Biwa Kwan and looks to the challenges that lie ahead.

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