Welcome back to Connolly’s Corner. 

Allegations of sexual assault in the Commonwealth Parliament have ignited a long overdue public debate about the treatment of women in the workplace, and it’s clear to me that time is up.  

I have spent a lot of time recently reflecting on a lifetime of my own experiences  - times I have been overlooked in the workplace, spoken over, ignored, belittled and the casual sexism I’ve endured. 

I was even reminded of when I was first running for Parliament and was taken aback to find a local that refused to meet myself before meeting my husband Scott. But you know what, it wasn’t that surprising. Sexism is alive and well in modern day Australia - and it must end.   

A task the Andrews Labor Government is committed to by reducing gender inequities and fostering a positive environment for women in the workplace. And we’re not just going to talk about it. We’re getting on with the job and taking action to create a fairer, more inclusive, and safer society for every Victorian. 

Just last year, we passed the Gender Equality Act making gender equality a key objective of the Victorian public service. We also appointed a Gender Equality Commissioner to assist Government departments in the promotion of gender equality. The Commissioner will make key recommendations on workplace sexual harassment policy, how to reduce gender bias in hiring decisions, and ensure women have guaranteed representation on decision making bodies.    

It makes me proud to be part of a Government takes issues like this seriously, one that is committed to fighting family violence in our community. So far, almost two-thirds of the 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence have now been implemented.  

Because we know we can do better as a community, and we must.  

One of these recommendations being the establishment of the Orange Door Network, which is set to be rolled out in Melbourne’s West and benefit Wyndham next year. The Orange Door Network is a vital, and tailored service where people of any age or gender can seek assistance and support when experiencing family violence. 

We have come a long way on the path to equality, though there is still a way to go – and at times it can be the smallest changes that make all the difference.  

That’s why I established a Young Women’s Roundtable in partnership with our local high schools to facilitate discussions with leaders in Year 11 and 12. We’ve had insightful debates on gender in politics, harassment and discrimination in the workplace, and local issues. These confident young women don’t shy away from the big issues, always leaving me excited about the future of our country and the massing potential of the next generation.  

Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you here in Connolly’s Corner next month.