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Original Constituency Question from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –

My constituency question is for the Minister for Women on International Women’s Day. Minister, how is the Andrews Labor government continuing to improve the lives of women and girls in Victoria?

Since winning government in 2014 the Andrews Labor government has taken bold steps to address issues of gender equity in Victoria. The Andrews Labor government listens to the voices of Victorian women and acts. From increasing women’s participation on public sector boards to providing free pads and tampons in public buildings, this is a government that is changing attitudes and moving the dial on gender equity.

By removing barriers for women and girls we are enabling them to fully participate in every aspect of society. For far too long the critical health needs of women have not been addressed. That is why we are investing $58 million to treat endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause and menopause. Victorian women can be confident that they will be supported by this government, who support women.

Response from the Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Women (22 May 2023) –

Thank you for your question, Ms Addison, and for your commitment to Victorian women.

The Victorian Government is deeply committed to gender equality, in all its forms, and has demonstrated this commitment by investing in and prioritising women’s health and wellbeing, economic equity, leadership and representation, and safety.

As you mentioned, we are transforming how women’s health is treated in our state. We know that gendered biases and practices mean that women and girls have traditionally experienced poorer health outcomes across a number of areas, including sexual and reproductive health.

This is why we are establishing 20 women’s health clinics to focus on areas like contraception, endometriosis, and pelvic pain, establishing a mobile Women’s Health Clinic to ensure women across Victoria have access to the healthcare they need, expanding our Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs from 11 to 20 locations, and funding an inquiry into women’s pain management.

I am also proud of our Government’s commitment to provide free pads and tampons to Victorians at up to 700 public sites over the next four years.

We have listened to the findings of the recent Inquiry into Economic Equity for Victorian Women. Our investment of $14 billion over the next decade through Best Start, Best Life will reform the early childhood education and care sector to make Kinder free for every Victorian family and increase funded hours for three- and four-year-olds. These commitments will not only save families money but also support women financially to return to the workforce.

As Chair of the 2022 Victorian Honour Roll of Women Assessment Panel, you know the Honour Roll sits within my portfolio as Minister for Women, and recognises women each year who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and excellence in their field of expertise or commitment to the community. We know that you can’t be what you can’t see, and the Honour Roll promotes the incredible range of Victorian women’s achievements.

Thanks to our Women on Boards policy, 54 per cent of seats on government boards are now held by women. The public sector is leading the way, and our leadership programs such as the Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program and the Women’s Board Leadership Program are supporting women from all walks of life to break down systemic barriers to reach their leadership goals.

And finally, in January 2023, we announced that we have successfully implemented all 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence. These changes will improve Victoria’s response to family violence, reduce the frequency of violence, support victim survivors and hold perpetrators to account for their actions.

Achieving gender equality requires action in all parts of the community, and I am proud of the Victorian Government’s work towards achieving that goal. We’ll continue working toward this vision as we plan for the release of our new Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan, later this year.

Thank you again for your question.

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

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