Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence. I join with the government in congratulating UN Women and UN Women Australia on arranging a number of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on 8 March. It is appropriate in a year that we have our first female Prime Minister that we should recognise the achievements of those women who came before us in the House and in the other chamber. Dame Enid Lyons, who was the first woman to hold cabinet rank; Dame Annabelle Rankin, the first woman to administer a government department; Margaret Guilfoyle, the first woman to hold a cabinet position as a minister; and Margaret Reid, the first woman to hold the position of President of the Senate. We on this side of the House are very proud of the achievements of coalition women. I take this opportunity to wish all those involved in International Women’s Day celebrations a most successful day, as we reflect on the achievements in all fields of women in Australia as well as internationally.

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