Australian Women's Land Army (AWLA)

The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) was formed during the Second World War to combat rising labour shortages in the farming sector. From December 1941, when Japan entered the war, the nation’s need to build up its armed forces was placed above the needs of other industries.

The AWLA was formed on 27 July 1942. Women aged 18 to 50 years were generally drawn from city areas and were often unskilled in rural work. This new form of labour had to be heavily promoted to rural employees, who were initially resistant to female labour. Sceptical attitudes, however, generally changed to praise and respect.

The AWLA comprised both full-time and auxiliary members. Full-time members enrolled for continuous service for 12 months (with the option of renewal). They received appropriate badges, distinctive dress uniform, working clothes, and equipment. Auxiliary members signed up for periods of four weeks minimum and were employed in seasonal rural operations. Their badges, working clothes, and essential equipment were supplied on loan.

Enrolment numbers peaked in December 1943, with 2,382 permanent members and 1,039 auxiliary members. The average working week for an AWLA member was 48 hours, with pay starting at a minimum wage of 30 shillings a week. Permanent members were also entitled to sick pay. Women were paid much less than their male counterparts for the same work, which covered a variety of agricultural labours, such as vegetable and fruit growing, pig and poultry raising, and sheep and wool work.