We need more women in politics, not less.

By Terri Butler MP

18 May 2022

Australian women deserve a better future.

Under the Morrison-Joyce government it has been heartbreaking witnessing the commentary from the Prime Minister and his Ministry about women, and their responses when women have stood up for better.

Under this government Australian women have gone backwards. Australia used to be ranked 24^th in the world for gender equality, we are now ranked 50^th in the world.

This must change.

An Albanese Labor Government will:

address the gender pay gap;
support working parents' participation in the economy by providing cheaper childcare;
fix the aged care system, where so many women work, including backing a pay rise for aged care workers, and provide quality care to our elders; and
legislate for safer workplaces, committing to fully implementing the Respect at Work report.

Australians deserve a more equal future, one where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

As a Shadow Cabinet member I know just how much it means to have women’s voices around the table when policy decisions are made.

Brittany Higgins, a courageous young woman, has kindly given her permission for me to quote her in this email, as she has so importantly said:

“If we truly want a gender inclusive society, we need more vocal women in rooms where key decisions are being made to ensure that there is a gender lens placed over national policy.”

As a woman in our national Parliament I can say I have been and always will be a voice for the women of Australia, and particularly for the women of Griffith. I stand up for equality, for dignity and for fair treatment. I always have, and I always will.

It is important that we have more women elected to our Parliament, I hope I can count on your support to re-elect me, so that we can take the action needed to secure a better future for all of us.