Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is an honour to stand here as the first woman to represent the division of Holt. This moment is possible because, 30 years ago, the Australian Labor Party made the courageous decision to implement affirmative action quotas for winnable seats. As a result, we now have the first government in Australian history where women are the majority. I am proud to be a woman of colour, I am proud to be Australian and I am proud to be a member of the Australian Labor Party—a party that not only paves the way for women in parliament but also stands up for women in every household in this nation. To quote Christina Aguilera:

This is for my girls all around the world

Who've come across a man that don't respect your worth

Thinkin' all women should be seen not heard

So what do we do girls? Shout louder!

Lettin' 'em know we're gonna stand our ground

Lift your hands high and wave 'em proud

Take a deep breath and say it loud

"Never can, never will, can't hold us down"

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