Title: Apology, Rejected (Cr Kara Cook)
Artist: Chrissy Dwyer
Sitter: Councillor Kara Cook
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Dimensions: 101.7 x 76.3cm
Year: 2022
Brisbane Portrait Prize Entry
August 2022
2020 was a year that really changed the world. The Covid Pandemic meant working from home became the norm, but flexible working arrangements weren't equitable for everyone.
Apology, Rejected is a historical biography of the inflexible working conditions mothers still face in the 21st Century. Kara Cook, a solicitor who fights for the rights of women and established Australia’s first expert domestic violence law firm, is Councillor of Morningside Ward (Brisbane). She expected her return to work would allow flexible arrangements as general society due to the Covid Pandemic. Unfortunately, Brisbane City Council does not have parental leave for Councillors and Cr Cook had to fight to attend virtual meetings, initially told to “catch a cab”, following a caesarean to fulfil her Council duties and breastfeed her newborn. Applications to attend virtual meetings still require approval, yet requests for Council to introduce a parental leave policy for Councillors have been rejected.
Comments