Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Higgins for her question and note her strong leadership in all matters pertaining to women and girls in her electorate. This is our second women's budget, and together they have delivered $5.5 billion. This budget supports Australian women at every stage, every age and every walk of life, and we have the serious investment that backs that right in.

The women's workforce participation rate is at a record high. The women's unemployment rate is at a record low. There are more women in jobs—and they're better-paying jobs—than there ever were before. The economic plan outlined by the Treasurer last night will improve the outcomes and opportunities for women, and it will deliver an even stronger and more productive economy. That, of course, gives women greater choice, greater flexibility and greater economic security. As I said, there are more women in highly skilled jobs than ever before, taking up more leadership positions and now holding over 50 per cent of Australian government board positions, compared to 41.7 per cent when we came into government.

I know that despite this progress there remain a range of barriers to women's workforce participation. So, this budget invests nearly $500 million in women's economic security measures to address these barriers, and front and centre is our enhanced paid parental leave for families. It means that eligible working parents can share—

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