Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security and Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm the proud patron of Women in Information and Communication, or WIC, as it's known, which is an organisation that champions the role of women in the information technology, communications and cybersecurity sectors. WIC recently held its annual debate and award night. The debate topic was 'Promoting, not mentoring, will resolve gender equity in ICT.' I took part in that debate; unfortunately, our team lost. That said, I had the great privilege of presenting the WIC Student Encouragement Award to Abbie Don, who intends to pursue a career in the sector after completing university. Abbie is extraordinary. She currently attends the University of Canberra Senior Secondary College. She is doing a double major in information technology, a double major in mathematics, essential English, and photography. I also presented the WICked Woman of the Year award, which goes to a woman in the Canberra region who's made a significant contribution to the ICT industry, who's acted as a role model or mentor for women and who's encouraged women into this industry. This year the award went to Dr Lesley Seebeck, who is currently the CEO of ANU Cyber Institute. Dr Seebeck is a leader in her field and a champion of encouraging women to consider careers in STEM. I encourage any woman who is working in or considering a career in the information, communications and cybersecurity sectors to get in contact with WIC and become part of this network.