Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Walsh for the question and for her longstanding work in supporting women, particularly those on low incomes, in this country over many years. On International Women's Day, I would also like to associate myself with the comments and remarks made about Marie Coleman, who I acknowledge in the chamber today. Marie seems to have been a mentor and someone many of us have looked up to in this place, and it's a real privilege for me to be here as Minister for Women in a government that's pursuing many of the issues that Marie and her colleagues have campaigned for for many years. This is a government that puts women at the centre. I acknowledge all my women colleagues in this place and all the women parliamentarians who have come before us.

Over the years, Australia has made great progress advancing the status of women, but in a number of areas progress is slowing or has stalled. This government is working hard to put us on the path to achieving a better future for women in Australia. We're developing a National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality, to help make Australia one of the best countries in the world for equality between men and women. This government is listening to women. We don't want to guess what life is like for women of all backgrounds; we want to listen to and hear from them. Today we launch public consultation on the strategy, including a survey and other materials to support individuals, communities and organisations to contribute to that strategy. We want to hear from Australians from all walks of life, especially women and girls, about what it's like in the areas of care, work, economic security, safety, health and beyond. We want this to be a national and respectful conversation. Today I've written to all my colleagues in this place to invite them to be part of this important national discussion in their electorates and in their communities.