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Libby Tanner, Krista Vendy and Jane Allsop are TV's newest breed of tough women. Forget that old line "girls just wanna have fun", because this talented television trio also wants to get down to business both on screen and off. As a passionate paramedic, a tough-as-nails teacher and a cool-headed cop, respectively, these three young Aussie stars on the rise are taking their lead from television's wonder women such as Gillian Anderson's tough FBI agent Dana Scully from The X-Files, Kim Delaney's strong-willed and independent Diane Russell from NYPD Blue, and ER's, gentle but gutsy nurse Carol Hathaway, played by Julianna Marguilles.

The Aussie heroines are women often in uniform, always in charge and increasingly at the centre of their shows' most captivating storylines. Gutsy and not afraid to take a stand in situations which are often matters of life or death, this beautiful but ballsy gang of three is quietly making its mark playing some of the strongest and most courageous women to be found on the small screen. All Saints' Libby Tanner is Bronwyn Craig, the paramedic who's a little rough around the edges, but whose heart is always in the right place - even if her foot is often in her mouth. Krista Vendy is one of Neighbours' newest recruits as schoolteacher Tess Bell. Tess is strict and sharp-tongued and won't take any nonsense. Jane Allsop is new to Blue Heelers, but has already found her feet as Mt Thomas' rookie cop Jo Parrish. What Jo lacks in subtlety or luck in the love stakes, she more than makes up for in being able to keep her cool in any situation. And while these career crusaders are winning fans from TV viewers nationwide, don't be too fast to call them "role models" for a new generation of young women. "I would never think of Bronwyn as a role model," Libby says. "She's a person first and she's good at her job. I don't think of her succeeding in a man's job - Bronwyn simply does her job very well. "Society has changed so much now that we don't need to hold up the flag anymore and say 'Check this out chicks! I'm doing a really strong job here and I'm a girl'. Bronwyn is an interesting woman and an interesting character. She's a human being, but not a superwoman. She takes it on the chin too often to be that." Jane feels much the same way about her portrayal of Jo. The beautiful brunette says Jo's personal life has already had its fair share of ups and down but, on a professional basis, she believes much of the respect Jo gets is less to do with the person and much more to do with the uniform. "There is a strength that comes with a uniform," Jane says. "It really does command some respect, and you're aware of that when you're playing the role. "Early on playing the role, I had a very interesting experience. I was at a pub when a fight broke out between about 15 guys. The first cops on the scene were two young female officers who took control of the situation, calmed everyone down and sorted out the mess. They commanded attention immediately - and a lot of that was due to the uniform." Jane laughs as she recalls her ambition as a girl was always to be an actress and to play make-believe in certain roles - but not one of them was ever as a cop. "That was the last thing on my mind, but here I am making a living out of it," she laughs. "I always thought cops were the 'other' people in society, so it's been nice to get to know a few who are great people. I respect the people who've chosen that career path." While Libby and Jane believe their instantly identifiable uniforms help to create an air of authority, Krista's Tess does not have the same luxury. Her only prop is Tess's simple grey suit, which Krista uses to help her get into her character's teacher mind-set. While her character may not be dealing with life and death, Krista says she never forgets the impact real-life teachers have on the impressionable and eager minds of their pupils. "Schoolteachers are among the strongest role models children have in their lives, and I think it's important to show that side of her job," she says. "Teachers have an enormous influence on the kids they teach, in so many different ways. "Tess is socially vivacious and away from school she's a lot of fun, but as a teacher she takes no nonsense whatsoever. She does come on a bit strong, but she has her reasons and they are slowly emerging. These two sides make Tess interesting." As Bronwyn, Jo and Tess face another year of challenges, you can be sure these women will be doing their best to hold it all together and keep charging ahead. And that's what all three actresses like best about their alter egos. "These characters are all just trying to get by," Libby adds. "They fall over sometimes, but they keep giving it their best shot. "And as for Bron, I can say she's strong and likes being sexy, but she won't be walked over - and pity the person who tries."

John Burfitt
TV Week