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We talk about changing the system, not the women. Sometimes we’re talking about workplaces when we discuss structural change, and today we’re talking about the government’s role in gender equity with Kate Thwaites MP, the Assistant Minister for Women.
Kate co-wrote Enough is Enough, about the pervasive culture of sexual violence and harassment within Australia’s Parliament House, and her portfolio of work focuses on Women, Ageing, and Social Security.
We got the chance to hear about her new bill aiming to make gender equality targets compulsory for large employers, the unique challenges older women face as a historically invisible but increasingly visible part of the workforce, and why it even matters if Parliament is a positive workplace.
I believe we need more women in all the rooms where decisions are made (just like Ruth Bader Ginsberg), and Kate is doing just that. Enjoy the show!
In this episode we discuss:
- When women succeed, it’s good for the bottom line and other employees.
- Kate’s bill to introduce gender targets for all companies with 200+ people.
- The increased wages for educators and aged care workers that was recently secured.
- Kate’s hopes for the future of Australian politics and an increased focus on community.
- 90’s Spice Girls feminism, and how the job isn’t done yet.
- Work changing workplaces is good for men as well as women.
- Labor Government updates to Paid Parental Leave.
- Kate’s work supporting older women who are less financially secure.
- Workforce shortages Australia is facing, and how to solve for them.
- Why it matters to Kate that Parliament is a gold-standard, positive workplace.
- Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard review and positive changes.
- The realities of being a young mum in Parliament.
- The gift to our children of going after our dreams.
About Kate Thwaites
Assistant Minister for Social Security, Ageing and Women the Hon Kate Thwaites MP has served as Federal Member for Jagajaga in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs since 2019.
With a career spanning journalism, international aid, the public service and government, Kate holds a BA (Journalism) and a Master of International Development. She is the author of ‘Enough Is Enough’, about making the Australian Parliament a safe place for women, written with Jenny Macklin, her predecessor as the Member for Jagajaga.
Kate entered politics because she believes we need to have new conversations around the serious challenges we face us as a country. In her Assistant Minister portfolio, this includes continuing to work toward gender equity in Australia, valuing the contribution older people make to our communities, and making sure people are supported to age well.
Kate believes we are all better off as a community when we respect each other and feel equal and supported.
Kate lives in Jagajaga with her husband and two children.