Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Members statements

Gender equality

Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (13:44): On 7 November I had the great honour of hosting the regional launch of the Victorian gender equality strategy in Warrnambool with Minister Hutchins and Dr Niki Vincent. We heard from Dr Becky Nevin from Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West and from Megan Bragonje, manager of South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault, where years ago I worked as a counsellor advocate. Becky and Megan discussed the relationship between violence against women and inequality and the unique challenges faced by outer regional women and children. They told us the rates of violence against women are continuing to increase.

It was also great to hear from some of the region’s largest public sector employers on gender equality within their organisations. I thank South West TAFE’s CEO Mark Fidge, Moyne Health Services CEO Katharina Redford, Wannon Water managing director Andrew Jeffers, Warrnambool City Council CEO Andrew Mason and South West Healthcare CEO Craig Fraser for their contributions. It was acknowledged that outer regional labour markets are very different to Melbourne metropolitan markets and growing their own leaders is critical. I am very proud of the Allan Labor government’s contribution to gender equality in this state, and I thank all of those who contributed and participated in the event.