Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

I am really pleased to answer this question because it is an issue close to my heart. I am glad to report that, as many of my fellow senators would already know, women as innovators are increasingly making a serious impact in industry and in business.

A recent report by the Australian Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry shows that the number of women who run their own business has doubled in the last five years. Indeed, the Australian Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry also report that there are now more than 700,000 women running a business in Australia. Female entrepreneurs are seizing opportunities and contributing immensely to our economy. As Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation I will be focused on promoting women in industry—on policies that support their engagement and further their interests in business.