Thursday, 21 March 2024

Gender equality

Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (17:32): (608) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the Minister for Women and concerns International Women’s Day. The action that I seek is that the minister provide an update on how the Allan Labor government is supporting and empowering women in my electorate of Narre Warren South. I was honoured to recently attend International Women’s Day celebrations, with this year’s theme being ‘Count her in’ and a call to invest in women and rightfully identify women’s economic parity as an essential part of a gender-equal world.

With many in this chamber, I attended the event here at Parliament celebrating the first woman Speaker and President of the Parliament, Judy Maddigan and Monica Gould, and I was delighted to have Helen Small as my guest. Helen is the executive officer for the local Casey North Community Information and Support Service, which provides a wide range of programs, including for women’s health, self-esteem, financial literacy, self-care, conflict resolution and women’s rights, especially in support of migrants and those experiencing family violence.

Another event that I attended in the area was hosted by the Melbourne City Football Club at Casey Fields. We celebrated the growing role of women’s sport and discussed how sport is an avenue for further inclusion, recognition and opportunities, not only in sport but throughout society as well. Just as a side note, I am always chuffed to meet our highly skilled athletes, but meeting former Matildas captain and Melbourne City goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri was really something.

I thank the minister for her work on the Allan Labor government’s Our Equal State strategy to progress gender equality and support women in my electorate, and I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community.