To help give disadvantaged women a better life ... Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women Senator Michaelia Cash with Donna de Zwart, CEO of Fitted For Work, with donated clothes from politicians and their staff for potential job interviews. Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Corp Australia

The nation’s female political elite, including former speaker Anna Burke, Minister for Women Michaelia Cash and NSW Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, all dug deep to donate some of their personal clothes, shoes and accessories to Fitted For Work — a group that helps outfit vulnerable women for job interviews.

Clothes, shoes and accessories donated ... Parliamentary Secretary Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells supported group Fitted For Work that helps outfit vulnerable women for job interviews. Picture: Fiona Harding Source: News Limited

Donated their own clothes to the needy ... Labor MP Anna Burke, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives. Picture: Kym Smith Source: News Corp Australia

More than 80 bags of clothing were dropped off at Senator Cash’s ministerial office from MPs, Senators and political staffers across the political divide and will go to the most at-risk women in society.

“The outpouring of generosity has been remarkable,” Senator Cash said.

“This donation drive is a practical way in which we could assist this important cause.”

Fitted For Work, which is currently operational in NSW and Victoria, has helped more than 20,000 women in its 10 years of operation and also provides mentoring and job support as well as clothing for job interviews.

The group plans to expand to other states and hopes to eventually have special Fitted for Work buses that travel out to regional and remote communities to help women living there.

“A lot of people might think that our service focusing on clothing is superficial but we are doing so much more than providing clothing,” Fitted For Work CEO Donna de Zwart said.

“We’re giving vulnerable women their confidence back.

“Helping vulnerable women to achieve their financial independence is often just the help they need to leave a violent or sub-optimal situation.

“The generous donation by parliamentarians and staff has been overwhelming.”

Ms de Zwart said however she would like to see the federal government provide more funding to the organisation to help it expand and help women right across Australia.

Last year the government provided a $60,000 one-off payment to the group.

“We would definitely like more funding to come our way so we can help more women and expand to other states and territories,” Ms de Zwart said.

She encouraged all Australians thinking about getting rid of some of the work clothing to consider donating to Fitted For Work first.

“One of the biggest benefits to our service is that we are not exclusive. We don’t just look after refugees or victims of domestic violence,” Ms de Zwart said.

“We help all women who need a hand up.”

If you would like to donate clothing or funds to Fitted For Work head to www.fittedforwork.org.

lanai.scarr@news.com.au