Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (09:40): International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate our government’s commitment to women and gender equality. From our first ever gender equality strategy to Australia’s first ever gender equality act, Victoria is leading the nation on gender equality.

The Andrews Labor government respects women and recognises the important contribution women make to Victoria. Sixty-four per cent of Victorian government ministers are women. Our women ministers are responsible for many progressive policies and projects, including bringing back the SEC, free TAFE, free kinder, the West Gate Tunnel, women’s health and the sick pay guarantee.

Having women in significant leadership roles changes conversations and changes outcomes for women and girls. The Andrews Labor government understands that when there are more women at the decision-making table better decisions are made. That is why we have gender parity on paid government boards.

We are providing free pads and tampons in schools, and we are extending this to public hospitals and libraries, TAFEs, train stations and courts. We are transforming women’s health with our commitment of over $121 million over the next four years to deliver 20 new women’s health clinics and an additional nine sexual and reproductive health clinics.

We are building early parenting centres across the state, and we have established public IVF, making it easier for Victorians to become parents. We are also investing $5 million for women’s health, including the creation of the women’s health institute. Happy International Women’s Day to all Victorians.

Watch and read more of my speeches to Parliament here, including responses from ministers on how we’re working for Wendouree.

You can also view videos from Parliament, browse Hansard transcripts, learn about bills and legislation, and much more at the Parliament of Victoria’s website.