Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today we celebrate a monumental milestone in the history of the Labor Party: 30 years of affirmative action. This policy has transformed our party and reshaped Australian politics for the better, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative government today. As a member of Australia's first ever female majority government, I've had the privilege of serving alongside some of the most inspiring women in politics. Learning and observing from ministers such as the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Minister for Housing and the minister for infrastructure, just to name a few, has been an enriching experience. Throughout my political career, from local government to federal government, I've had the opportunity to work with remarkable elected representatives. Gender diversity makes Labor better. It makes our government stronger, and it makes our country greater. More women in the workforce, around the boardroom and in decision-making positions makes a difference for the better.

This Saturday, as New South Wales heads to the voting booths for local government elections, I'm very proud to support outstanding female candidates for council in Bennelong. And, unlike the others, Labor will have females at the top of their tickets. In Ryde, we have Penny Pedersen and Lyndal Howison; in Willoughby, Cathy Duloy will top the Labor ticket for the first time in that local government area; and Katie Little will spearhead our team in her ward in Lane Cove. Their voices will lead to better decisions for our community.