Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ruston for her question. Boosting female participation in the workforce has been a key focus of the G20 throughout this year of Australia's presidency because of the important links between workforce participation and economic growth. Indeed, in his keynote address in Davos over 10 months ago Prime Minister outlined his vision for the G20's presidency in Australia and identified female participation in the workforce as a priority. As a direct result of this focus, women's workforce participation was on the official G20 agenda for the very first time, with G20 leaders committing to reducing the gap in participation rates between men and women by 25 per cent by 2025. This is a groundbreaking goal that was formally proposed at the labour and employment ministers meeting in September and is now being adopted by all leaders of the G20 nations. 25 by 25 is an ambitious but credible goal that will be good for our global economy and good for women, their families and communities.

Across the world, the knowledge of 865 million women are seriously underutilised when it comes to contributing to economic growth. G20 leaders recognise that this underutilisation of women must change and that the 25 by 25 goal will positively improve economic growth and resilience. The focus on women's issues within a powerful forum such as the G20 has the potential for strong and far-reaching impacts across the world and for generations to come. Australians should be very proud of the government's efforts in securing this goal. 25 by 25 will stand as an important legacy for Australia's G20 presidency.