Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Moore, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) the important role of the Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, which was introduced by Labor in 2011,

  (ii) the valuable work provided by our first Ambassador, Ms Penny Williams, and

  (iii) that that our second Ambassador, Ms Natasha Stott Despoja, has just finalised her term;

(b) recognises and thanks Ms Natasha Stott Despoja for her work during her role as Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls from 16 December 2013 to December 2016;

(c) acknowledges the tremendous achievements by Ms Natasha Stott Despoja during her tenure, including:

  (i) her commitment to her work which built our relationship internationally with a clear focus on women and girls,

  (ii) her extensive travel in the Indo-Pacific region to advocate for women's equal participation in political, economic and social affairs,

  (iii) representation of Australia at international meetings and forums working to promote women's leadership, economic empowerment and gender equality,

  (iv) strong advocacy to change the attitudes and behaviours across the community that condone or support gender inequality and sexism including victim-blaming, and

  (v) steering Australia's foreign policy and aid programs towards women's economic empowerment, and the fight to end violence against women and girls; and

(d) congratulates Dr Sharman Stone on her appointment as the new Ambassador for Women and Girls, commencing January 2017, and looks forward to her work continuing the important role.

Question agreed to.