Go getter: Former Deputy Director of Social Welfare Patricia Chu says her 34 years of experience in the department will serve her well in her new role as the Equal Opportunities Commission's chairperson.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has appointed the former Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Patricia Chu, to the post of Equal Opportunities Commission Chairperson for one year, with effect from December 15.

"Mrs Chu has strong faith in human rights and in the equal rights of men and women.  Before her retirement from the civil service, she was a Deputy Director of Social Welfare," said Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho.

"She is highly respected as a person of principles and integrity in the social welfare field.  She has wide experience in public service and in staff management."

The Government believes that she is the appropriate person to lead the commission during these challenging times, Mr Ho said. "Under her leadership, with the support of all members, the commission will be able to leave its recent problems behind it and move ahead with its work."

New chairperson brings 34 years of experience to her post

Mrs Chu told reporters at a noon press conference that her first priority is to restore the credibility of the Commission. She believes her 34 years in the Social Welfare Department will serve her well in this post.

"I've been working closely with the sector and also other organisations to protect and to help the disadvantaged groups, especially the disabled and disadvantaged women's groups, such as battered spouses," she said in a reply to a reporter's query as to her qualifications for the job.

She stressed that even 20 years ago, she had been helping the public to understand the needs of discharged mental patients so as not to discriminate against them and to provide good facilities such as halfway houses for them in Sha Tin.

She offers years of experience in policymaking, in conducting organisational reviews and also working closely with the non-governmental organisations, she added.

Ongoing review to consider future direction, strategies, priorities

The Equal Opportunities Commission's work did not stop after the former chairperson, Michael Wong, stepped down, she stressed. The commission members have been conducting a review of the future direction, strategies and priorities it should adopt.

In the past month, the members have had discussions with staff members and about 20 different interest groups.

"The response has been very positive," Mrs Chu said.

"We need the support of the public, we need the support of the Legislature and we need the support of all the other concern groups in order to uphold and restore the credibility of the EOC."

Her appointment notice will be gazetted on December 12.