Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Before I answer the final question in today's question time, can I please acknowledge the members of the ADF Parliamentary Program who are joining us in the gallery today. I acknowledge them and thank them very much for their service and their contribution.

Thank you, Senator Henderson, for your question. This morning I had the opportunity to join the National Rural Women's Coalition for their annual rural and regional women's muster, here in Canberra. It is a very opportune time to acknowledge the crucial role of rural women in Australian communities on this International Day of Rural Women. In the 2019 muster there are 12 indomitable women. They literally cover the length and breadth of this country—from Richmond in Tasmania, from Mantung in South Australia, from Geraldton and Margaret River in WA, from Yulara in the Northern Territory, and even from Norfolk Island. They bring diversity to their engagement with us in Canberra and they are bringing forward the views and the voices of rural women. We had a great conversation, it was particularly moving in parts, including on the challenges of drought for them and for their families, on mental health, on isolation and on a range of other factors.

I want to especially acknowledge today the representatives of rural women's organisations who have been joining me at women's stakeholder round tables in New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania in recent months, because they bring a distinct perspective to women's safety, economic empowerment and leadership issues. We are very committed to supporting rural women and girls in succeeding. Our Women's Economic Security Statement, which is backed by $151 million in funding over the four years, includes a number of measures that support rural, regional and remote women and girls. I particularly love the Future Female Entrepreneurs Program, which will engage around 55,000 girls in around 50 face-to-face workshops, as well as young women nationwide, via a digital platform. It is the digital platform that so helps to enable girls in rural, regional and remote areas to also engage in the program and tap into the 100 pieces of original content videos and articles.