Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator McEwen and Senator McLucas, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the extraordinary achievements of the Australian Matildas while playing and training under inappropriate work conditions for a world-class sports team;

(b) applauds the Matildas efforts as leaders and role models for young women and all footballers across Australia;

(c) raises concern that, despite this best ever performance by an Australian football team in reaching the quarter finals at a World Cup, they are paid 1/15th of the men’s team, as part-time employees with a full-time commitment, and at a rate below the minimum wage; and

(d) supports strong and fair working conditions for all female Australian athletes.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

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

Let me be absolutely clear, there is a pay gap that exists between women and men in Australia and it is unacceptable. We acknowledge the huge pay difference between male and female sports people that currently exist. It profoundly affects a woman's life in many different ways, including her long-term economic security and it makes her more vulnerable to poverty and homelessness later in life. It is also reflected in the gender disparity in superannuation, with women retiring with only 65 per cent of the superannuation that men retire on. This means that a woman has to work 15 more years than a man to retire with the same income as a man. Things need to change. The national women's soccer teams, the Matildas, have been a sporting institution since 1978 and have represented Australia with class, integrity and professionalism. The Matildas, along with the Diamonds, the Opals and the Southern Stars, for example, are brilliant role models for our girls and they are leaders in our communities.

In relation to the notice of motion, whilst we do support its intent, we must remember that individual employment arrangements are matters for employers and their employees. Any allegations of illegal work practices should be referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Question agreed to.