Reimagining Safety and Security for Single Mothers

Terese Edwards is known as a long term advocate for an emergency domestic violence payment (recently made permanent by the Prime Minister), has advocated for single mothers caught by the illegal Robodebt scheme; campaigned against the punishing Parent’s Next program and is involved in designing a new support program.  She has also proposed important child support reforms to increase payments to children and reduce the ability for it to be weaponised against women. 

Terese speaks with single Mum’s most days advising them on how to navigate complex systems to get the assistance they need.  Often these calls are harrowing, detailing brutal domestic violence, financial abuse and heartbreaking stories of what they can’t afford to provide for their children.  Jess Hill writing in The Monthly December 2023 How to change a bad law said of Terese “one woman in particular had been campaigning relentlessly to restore the single parenting payment…pounding the corridors of parliament since 2009.” 

Terese also co-produced 10 Stories of Single Mothers which premiered in Parliament House in 2014, is a published author and was inducted to the South Australian Women Honor Roll 2023.  Speaking when she won The Unsung Hero Award in 2019, Terese said, “I want women to feel proud.’  She has a Masters in Business Administration and Management from Flinders University and is close to completing her PhD.  Read on for our interview with Terese!

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

During my time in the disability sector, I was honoured to represent SACOSS on the ACOSS board, where I connected with leaders of the National Council of Single Mothers & their Children. In 2006, I became aware of the challenging policy landscape facing single mothers and felt compelled to help. I joined the management committee and took on consultancy work while continuing to manage my executive role. I then embraced the opportunity to lead the organisation, driven by my dedication to making a difference for single mothers and their children.

What does this role mean to you?

My role is a blend of humility and excitement; it can feel overwhelming at times, yet it remains incredibly captivating. I experience a profound connection between my spirit and the work I engage in.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

In the morning, I begin by addressing overnight messages and requests from single mothers, many of whom are facing crises and feeling overwhelmed or unsure about navigating the system. After taking a break to savor a coffee, I dive into my business tasks. These include managing network requests, crafting written materials like media releases and policy reports, and overseeing our social media accounts and website. Throughout the day, I also ensure that I stay available for calls that come through our 1800 number and respond to emails.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

A significant challenge I face arises from a government decision made in 2015, which unilaterally altered our funding—the decision to cut the financing of our peak bodywork positions us as a poorly funded service provider. As a result, we struggle with ongoing conflicts between the expectations of my colleagues, Members of Parliament, government departments, and single mothers who require our policy work and advocacy. I’ve been left juggling both peak body functions and service provision while receiving only minimal funding for the latter. This situation requires a long-term commitment that extends beyond typical working hours. Despite my proactive efforts to tackle this issue, it remains unresolved.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

Never stop believing in your capacity to achieve justice. Stay as creative and determined as you need to be to make it happen. Plus, someday, all that studying will be worth it.

How do you stay motivated to work in this field?

The connections I’ve made with women have been truly special, from being appointed to the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce to speaking at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The deep personal relationships formed during and outside of these experiences were remarkable. After fighting for over a decade to change social security rules for single mothers, I’m proud to say that in just the first year, our efforts have benefited 100,000 families, with 17 per cent from First Nations.  The work resulted in a public acknowledgment by the Prime Minister and a personal meeting, reaffirming that it was a remarkable ‘win’ for the ages.

How do you unwind after work?

It’s all about the combination of gym and music for me, as I work through my frustrations about how the system is still oppressive, stigmatising, and unsafe for women who are doing incredible care work.

What was the last thing you: Watched, Read, & Listened to?

I just returned from Parliament House, and during the flight, I listened to a song by my son’s band, KIOS. I can easily picture him up on stage, and that thought keeps me grounded. It serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life.