Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Absolutely! These are just three examples of the parliamentary ramblings against Bob Hawke's Sex Discrimination Act, and these three examples, of course, are from men.

Former Senator Susan Ryan was Australia's first Labor female cabinet member, and in 2005 she reflected on the 1984 Sex Discrimination Act, writing:

The Act coincided with a defining moment in Australia's social development … Australia was finally poised for progressive social change … In 1983, those defenders of the status quo who wanted no social change, recognised their last opportunity to prevent progress, and they gave it all they had. The Sex Discrimination Bill became the emblematic action that if allowed to succeed would change Australian society forever.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 passed, and the sun rose the next day. The world did not end. Thirty-five years later, it is, as I've said, the forebear of vital legislation, not least the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. The vision of Bob Hawke and his determination to face down those who fearmongered at the slightest sniff of change is a hallmark of the man and of the Prime Minister. For economic reforms, for the environmental protections, for universal health care and for making anti-sex-discrimination the law, our nation is grateful.

Bob Hawke did indeed love Australia, and that love drove him to become one of our nation's best loved and most successful prime ministers. My condolences go to his widow, Blanche; Bob's children, Sue, Stephen and Rosslyn; and his grandchildren. Bob, we thank you for your service and your legacy. Solidarity forever.