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

r GALLAGHER (—) (): I would argue that we're not waiting when it comes to women. Some of those changes that we've done include aged-care wage increases, where the vast majority of those employees are women; funding and indexation for community organisations, many of whom work in the women's sector; and the skills guarantee, where we are making targeted commitments about women and access to women's skills and training.

But, aside from that, I guess the answer is that the government has to do a range of things at the same time, and defence and national security is part of that. I think the fossil fuel issue you raised is the diesel fuel rebate. Again, that's important for many industries in this country. The budget is a series of balanced up decisions, but I do not accept that we are asking women to wait. We are making investments. We are getting the budget in better shape. And, when room allows, we will deliver on that commitment that has been a longstanding one for this government.