Ciccone, a federal Senator from Victoria, held his 10-week-old son inside the chamber on Wednesday during Question Time. 

“I had a memorable day yesterday when baby Ciccone spent time with me while I was working in the Senate chamber,” Ciccone said.

“More fathers should have the opportunity to take their child to work wherever possible.”

Ciccone thanked his parliamentary colleagues for creating such a “family-friendly environment” in the Senate. He noted the day was particularly memorable as it also marked the second anniversary of the Set the Standard report, which was instrumental in making parliament a more inclusive place to work. 

Conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission and led by the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, the report was the culmination of an independent review into commonwealth parliamentary workplaces.

Ciccone also shared a photo of himself, his son and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, writing: “Great to start the week by introducing the newest member of the Ciccone family to the Prime Minister @AlboMP and colleagues today.”

Ciccone’s milestone as the first father to bring their baby to the Senate follows a precedent set by Senator Larissa Waters, who was the first federal politician to breastfeed their baby in parliament, back in 2017. Prior to that, it had not been generally accepted for babies to enter parliamentary chambers.

Indeed it wasn’t until 2016 that parliamentary rules were changed to enable female MPs to breastfeed in the chamber. Children had previously been banned from entering during divisions.

And while it is still rare for a parent to bring their baby into work with them in parliament, it is slowly becoming more accepted. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sparked international attention when she brought her child, Neve, to the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.

It’s also significant that it is no longer just female politicians who are bringing their babies to work. Ciccone’s milestone this week will play a role in normalising it for fathers too.

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Since 2015, Dickinson’s brand, Haus of Dizzy, has been crafting bold, colourful and statement-making jewellery that brings First Nations culture to the fore. The brand is globally recognised and has been worn by celebrities including Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Tapsell, Lauryn Hill and Drew Barrymore. 

Haus of Dizzy’s recent Survival Day collection features pieces that are designed to empower mob, as Dickinson tells Women’s Agenda, and for allies to wear to show their support. 

“I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman and I love to give a nod to my culture in my work,” Dickinson shares.

“The collection is all about having pride in who you are and wearing your colours as your values so everybody can see that you are a proud Aboriginal woman. The same goes for whoever else is wearing the items,” she said. 

“It’s all about being proud of who you are.”

The collection is modelled by Arrernte woman and Heartbreak High actress Sherry Lee Watson, and features statements like “Always was, always will be” alongside the Aboriginal flag. 

“My earrings, especially, are conversation starters,” Dickinson says. “It’s all about talking about things that wouldn’t normally come up in conversation.”

As Australia continues to reckon with how it acknowledges January 26, Dickinson said a great way for allies to show support is to buy from Black businesses. This kind of support can be done all year around, too.

“Buying from First Nations people directly, and supporting Indigneous artists, musicians and designers is a great way to show  up,” Dickinson said.

“Even just a like or a share on a social media page is another great thing which doesn’t cost anything. It’s just like a few seconds and then you share it to a whole different audience.”

Haus of Dizzy has its flagship store and studio in Fitzroy in Melbourne. It’s here that Dickinson designs and creates her jewellery.

“I was originally using a lot of brass and charms but then I stumbled across acrylic and just fell in love with the medium, the bright colors and the glitters and just how you can transform it into any shape,” Dickison explains.

The brand is now stocked in 40 stores throughout Australia.

And what would Dickinson like others to know about how dates like January 26 continue to impact First Nations people?

“Australia has a Black history and everyone should research and read up on that,” she says. “I think it’s a great way of just acknowledging the past and just realizing that there’s a lot of hurt still there in communities and especially in elders.”

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Women also took home awards across key categories including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist and Song of the Year, while some legends of the music industry were recognised by the awards show.

Here’s our favourite moments for women.

Taylor Swift wins best Pop Vocal Album and announces new album

Taylor Swift used her acceptance speech for best Pop Vocal Album to unexpectedly announce a new album, The Tortured Poets Department, out April 19.

“I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I have been keeping from you for the last two years,” Swift said, before going backstage and posting the details of the album to her socials.

Taylor Swift takes home the big award, Album of the Year

Taylor Swift took out the final award of the show, becoming the first person to win Album of the Year four times at the Grammys, for her album Midnights. She has previously won the award for her albums Fearless, 1989 and Folklore. She overtakes the record previously held by Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Frank Sinatra.

She thanked her producer Jack Antonoff, who she described as a “once in a generation producer” and co-writer Lana Del Rey, who she said was a “legacy artist who’s in her prime”.

“The award is the work, and all I want to do is to keep being able to do this,” she said. “Mind. Blown.”

Seven of the 8 nominees for the album of the year were women artists, including Swift, Lana Del Rey, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, boygenuis, Janelle Mo and SZA.

Joni Mitchell makes her Grammys live debut

Music legend Joni Mitchell has made her live performance debut at the Grammys. The 80-year-old performed Both Sides Now alongside Brandi Carlile. Her performance was met with a standing ovation. Mitchell also took home the award for Best Folk Album. 

Billie Eilish wins Song of the Year

Billie Eilish and Finneas won Song of the Year for their song What Was I Made For? It was a song that featured on the Barbie soundtrack. “Damn, that’s stupid, guys!” Eilish exclaims onstage. “I’m shocked out of my balls.”

Tribute to Sinead O’Connor

Annie Lenox sung the iconic song Nothing Compares 2 U in tribute to Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor at the awards show.

O’Connor, who rose to fame in the 1990s, died last year at age 56. The singer is remembered for her outspoken social commentary and activism, particularly her criticism of the Catholic Church and views on feminism, sex and religion.

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Sonia Martin MACN, a Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience and the founder of One Bridge, has been appointed to Chair the faculty.

The Street Health Faculty will help some of the most vulnerable populations in the community.

“The Faculty will be a dynamic nurse-led network committed to serving the specific health needs of people who are marginalised and disadvantaged, many of whom have no choice but to try to survive living on the streets,” said ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.

“They cannot get to the health services they need, so the health services must go to them – and nurses are actively working in this space.

“We are fortunate to have Sonia Martin on board to lead this Faculty. She knows the sector. She knows the streets. She knows the solutions.”

Martin is the recipient of the 2021 Health Minister’s Nursing Trailblazer Award, as well as  The Dr Dorothea Sandars and Irene Lee Churchill Fellowship in 2022. In 2023, she conducted research that informed her ongoing advocacy for policy change in Australia and championing equitable healthcare access. 

In 2022, Martin was also awarded the National Outstanding Leadership Award in Entrepreneurship.

Martin said the establishment of the new street health faculty at the Australian College of Nursing aligns with the global inclusion health agenda and it will contribute to improving health and social inequities.

“We want to fully understand the landscape of nursing in this sector in Australia, identify current needs, and uncover barriers these groups face,” Martin said.

“This will inform our priorities and guide our next steps in education, advocacy, and policy development.”

Adjunct Professor Ward said the faculty would help attract nurses who want to contribute in socially positive ways. 

“It is a strategic move to foster inclusivity, equity, innovation, and leadership in nursing and health care,” she said. 

“ACN will be actively promoting the new Faculty across the profession to attract nurses who want to contribute to this exciting and worthwhile initiative.”

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Nearly 3000 people, including some of the most powerful business and political leaders in the world, gathered at the forum this year. Hamblin Wang, the Chief Operating Officer of MCi Carbon, was there on a mission to impress upon world leaders what needs to be done in this decade to reach net zero. 

Speaking to Women’s Agenda upon her return to Australia, Hamblin Wang said it was a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to be in attendance at the forum. 

“I’m not a world leader or a head of state or business tycoon or a spiritual leader,” Hamblin Wang said. “It’s not lost on me what a significant opportunity this was.”

“The challenge and the urgency of climate and climate technology development is extremely important right now. And I felt like my contribution was definitely important in the dialogue of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024.”

Hamblin Wang explained that she had meetings and engagement from 7am to 2am every day for the five days she was at the World Economic Forum, which was a significant opportunity to network and influence key decision-makers.

“The people who get stuff done are all there. There’s not only policymakers but also the key decision makers of the world are networking and making decisions while they’re there,” she said.

“I definitely felt like there was an opportunity to really call the world leaders to action and make them aware of what can be done and what should be done in this very, very crucial decade to reach Net Zero.”

Hamblin Wang was at the World Economic Forum in her capacity as Chief Operating Officer of MCi Carbon, a forward-thinking clean tech company transforming carbon dioxide into building materials and other valuable products for the circular economy. It’s providing a decarbonisation pathway for hard-to abate sectors including steel, cement, mining, chemicals, and manufacturing.

MCi Carbon received a $14.6 million grant from the federal government in 2021 to build a decarbonisation plant demonstrator. It’s currently being built in Kooragang Island in Newcastle and will lock away more than 1000 tonnes of carbon dioxide permanently and safely into building materials.

Debunking myths on carbon pricing

At the World Economic Forum, Hamblin Wang spoke on a panel called Debunking Myths on Carbon Pricing alongside Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair of Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, Maros Sefcovic, Executive Vice-President for European Green Deal and Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy of Québec, Canada.

Hamblin Wang used her time to talk about three key things: intention, integrity and courage.

“For me, my life purpose is around ensuring that we keep our world at a 1.5 degree target,” she explained. “We need to remediate climate change and intention is really important in that.”

“I talked about my daughter, which I think is sometimes like a ‘no no’ in a professional setting but I was saying that when we talk about net zero by 2050, it’s kind of obscure, but the reason why we decided on net zero by 2050 was because we want to keep 1.5 degrees alive for the year 2100.

“And that although that is really far away in the future, my daughter is still going to be alive in the year 2100. It is a real time in the future and we want to still have the Great Barrier Reef then.”

Hamblin Wang said that any new technologies that are invested in need to have integrity.

“We need to be able to measure, report and validate what actions we’re taking to make sure that the technologies that we invest in and we spend our finite time and resources behind, don’t give license to companies to emit more. It’s important that they actually work and they don’t just make promises and then under deliver. The integrity behind technologies is of crucial importance,” she explained.

It’s not just that we don’t want to spend money on things that don’t work, according to Hamblin Wang, it’s also that the public needs to have trust in what the technology is doing.

“It needs to be beyond politics. We need to urgently reduce emissions and remove emissions from the atmosphere,” she said. “We need to be doing that whilst having integrity behind what we’re doing so that the public is along for the ride. At the end of the day, it’s communities that are actually going to be adopting the technologies. It’s not just companies operating in obscurity.”

Hamblin Wang also wants to see more courage from those who have the power to invest.

“There is not enough climate capital being unleashed in the world. We need to be unlocking orders of magnitude more investment into climate capital but the global investment community hasn’t quite stepped up,” she said.. 

“We’re almost seeing a breakthrough there but we need patient capital that’s investing in things that both have a return on investment but also an emissions reduction outcome.”

What about climate hope?

While Hamblin Wang still wants to see more investment into climate technology, she said she is filled with hope that the word will rise to the challenge that climate change presents.

“I’m definitely a strong believer in climate hope. Because we’re actually doing it right now in Australia and the technology works and the business model works. 

“My true feeling is that the world will get there, and we will get climate change under control. It’s just about how late we leave it and how much it’s going to cost. If we act with the urgency that is required right now, that we know that the climate science has told us, it will be less costly and less painful.

“If we leave it too late and we dilly dally, or we don’t act with conviction, and with the investment and adoption that’s needed. It’ll be a lot more expensive and costly in many other ways.”

Feature Image credit: World Economic Forum.

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Spender, the member for the wealthiest electorate in Australia – Wentworth in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – said her community was split on their support for the recent changes to tax cuts. She noted that the majority of people in Wentworth would benefit from the changes and there was broad support, however there were some people who were going to lose out. 

“If you look at the stats, 66 per cent of Wentworth will benefit from these changes,” Spender said. “I know everyone has a view on Wentworth but it is much more diverse than most of the country would expect. In broad terms, most people are saying this is a good thing.”

She went on to say that “we are also the electorate with the biggest proportion of people who are going to lose out.” Of these people, she says, some have told her that they were counting on the original tax cut, while others have told her they are happy to see people on lower incomes getting more support. 

Before coming to a set position, Spender said she thought it was fair to consult widely with the community.

“I’d say there is this sense of the split,” she said. “And I do think based on the results we’ve had so far, there is a majority of support out there for this change.”

“There’s actually a really significant group of people who would have benefited, who are also saying, you know what, we want to help other people. This is a really hard time right now.”

However, Spender did point out that many people on higher incomes had contacted her saying they had been counting on receiving the larger tax cut. 

“They believed that the changes were going to happen. They put it into their budgets. They were planning to spend it on their mortgages and renting and you know, they do feel completely let down,” she said. 

“They all recognise they’re not the only people having a hard time in Australia. And many, many people are doing it tougher.” 

“Renting a unit in Bondi costs $900 a week, so you have to earn more than 150 grand to avoid rental stress. This is why my community is saying ‘look, we want real tax reform, not only temporary relief’.”

The Stage 3 tax cuts, which were originally legislated by the Morrison government in 2019, have been changed by the Albanese government to offer broader cost of living support to those of low and middle incomes. They are due to come into effect in July.

Broader tax reform

Spender, who appeared at the National Press Club alongside Richard Denniss, Executive Director of the Australia Institute, also discussed the need for broader tax reform in Australia. She said she will put a number of ideas forward to the community and the parliament for discussion, rather than finalised policy. She will be releasing a green paper on the topic mid-year.

Some of the options Spender spoke about included reducing taxes on labour income, looking at changes to super tax concessions, stamp duty and land taxes, the GST, company tax thresholds, payroll taxes and fuel taxes.

Spender said she was concerned about Australia’s over-reliance on income tax and her green paper would be focused on four objectives: intergenerational equity and housing affordability, productivity, real action on climate change and building an institutional framework for further tax reform. 

“I’m going to present these options to the community. These options will not be finalised policy. No doubt they won’t be perfect,” she said. 

“And I’m sure I’m going to be having robust conversations with my community with a broad range of stakeholders and with parliament once they’re released. They will naturally evolve as I try to build consensus. And I look forward to the scare campaigns that no doubt my opponents will dream up.”

Spender said she would like to see both major parties come to the table and discuss the possibilities on tax.

“This is the challenge that I put to the major parties. I challenge major parties to deny that we have long term problems. They know that this is true and they feel it and we feel it in the community,” she said.

“I challenge them to pretend that tax isn’t one of the issues isn’t one of the solutions to the major problems this country faces and I challenge them to be part of the solution. Rather than wedging each other from the side.

“The challenge for the major parties now is to find the courage to work towards building a better Australia. That’s what I’m going to do. That’s what my community expects and that’s what the rest of the parliament needs to do.”

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The Stage 3 tax cuts, which were originally legislated by the Morrison government in 2019 and are due to come into effect in July, will undergo some significant changes under the new plan. 

Under the new plan, the government will reduce the lowest rate of income tax from 19 cents in the dollar down to 16 cents and will include those earning less than $45,000 a year in the Stage 3 changes. Previously, these taxpayers were not included. It also means everyone will pay less tax on their first $45,000.  

“This is a significant boost for the take home pay of Australians of modest incomes and for the many Australians who work part time,” Albanese said at the National Press Club.

Albanese explained that an early childhood educator, aged care worker or cleaner earning $50,000 will now receive a tax cut of over $900 a year. He also proposed that women with young children will be among the key beneficiaries of the changes. 

“These tax cuts will provide meaningful help for parents returning to work, particularly women with young children. Because one of the things that we know is that when women with children are making decisions about how many hours an increase in their take home pay is a powerful incentive,” he said. 

“And this is where our broad and fair tax cuts are better for workers and also deliver for business by increasing workforce participation.”

In other changes, the second tax rate will be reduced from 32.5 per cent to 30 per cent and it will apply to incomes up to $135,000. The 37 per cent tax rate will be retained (it was to be scrapped under Morrison’s plan) and will apply to those earning $135,000 to$190,000. Meanwhile, the 45 per cent tax rate will start from $190,000, up from $180,000 (but lower than the $200,000 proposed under Morrison’s plan). 

Albanese said the plan “delivers a tax cut for every taxpayer and more help for middle Australia, more help for families under pressure with their cost of living and a better deal for 5.8 million working women”.

“Every woman taxpayer will get a tax cut and 90 per cent will receive a bigger tax cut under our plan.”

Albanese explained the average wage earner in Australia, on $73,000 per year, will get a tax cut of more than $1,500, more than double what they would have received under the previous plan. Meanwhile, a worker earning $100,000 a year will get a tax cut of over $2,100.

“Over $800 more for the middle income earners because of our changes,” Albanese said.

“A family on the average household income, which is around $130,000, with one partner that is on $80,000 and the other on $50,000…That combined tax cut will be over $2,600.”

How will women benefit from the changes?

According to analysis from the McKell Institute, the new changes to the Stage 3 cuts, particularly its inclusion of those on less than $45,000, will mostly benefit women. Women account for 63 per cent of workers earning less than $45,000 and they would have missed out under Morrison’s initial plan.

“If the parliament adjusts the Stage Three package to include those making less than $45,000 a year it could make a significant difference to the lives of low-income workers,”  Edward Cavanough, CEO of the McKell Institute. 

“Given the cost of living crisis, and its disproportionate impact on women, including those on less than $45,000 a year could make a very significant social difference.”

Sam Mostyn, Chair of the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce, noted that the taskforce had recommended gender analysis of tax and that the changes would benefit women.

“The Womens Economic Equality Taskforce recommended gender analysis of Australian tax & transfers system,” she said in a post to X. “@Treasury_AU analysis of redesigned stage 3 tax cuts shows the important benefit to women in these changes. Very good for women & our economy.”

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The WNBL is the only professional league in Australia that has a round dedicated to fighting period poverty, with players speaking out about how we can normalise conversations about periods and ensure everyone who needs to can access period products.

In 2021, a survey of 125,000 Australians found that more than 1 in 5 people who menstruate have had to improvise on period products due to the cost.

This year, the WNBL Fighting Period Poverty round runs from January 24 to January 31 and is supported by Boody and Cygnett, raising funds for period charity Share the Dignity. 

Captain of the Southside Flyers Bec Cole said it was imperative we all get more comfortable talking about periods and encouraged men to take part in the conversation. 

“We shouldn’t feel embarrassed by our periods. The more we speak about it, the more comfortable it’ll be,’ Cole said. 

“It’s also so important that our male colleagues are open to talking about it too and feel comfortable lending a hand if something happens to one of the girls on the team when she’s on her cycle — for example a leak. I do think we’re on the right track to breaking those barriers.” 

Meanwhile, Melbourne Boomers squad member Jordin Canada wants to raise awareness of how the menstrual cycle can affect female athletes. 

“People don’t understand how challenging it is to play sport when have your period,” Canada said. “Sometimes it’s hard to even get up in the morning and you have to compete to the best of your abilities.”

“Accessibility to menstruation products is a huge issue, and highlighting that is important, but it’s also important to simply normalise talking about periods,” said Kelsey Griffin, a three-time WNBL MVP recipient.

“Each cycle experience is unique so you don’t know what someone may be going through. For me, it’s cramps and brain fog that impact me most.”

During the round, WNBL players will wear themed t-shirts in their warm-ups and wear ‘Bloody Good Socks’. Both items are available for purchase with all funds raised going to Share the Dignity

Head of WNBL, Christy Collier-Hill also encouraged fans of the game to donate sanitary products when attending a game.

“As a women’s league, it’s important we support issues that affect women and girls, and we’re really proud to be working with Share the Dignity, with support from Boody and Cygnett, to positively impact period poverty in Australia,” Collier-Hill said.

“As well as raising awareness of the issue, we will have collection bins at every game during the round, and we encourage all our fans to bring sanitary products to the games to donate to this wonderful cause.

“If you can’t make it to a game, grab a pair of Bloody Good Socks, or buy period undies from Boody – both will help make an impact for women and girls in need.”

 The WNBL has also announced the installation of the first dignity vending machine in South Australia, which has been facilitated from money raised from last season’s Fighting Period Poverty Round.

Feature Image: Bec Cole.

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Gilmore, an eight-time world surfing champion, said she would take time away from the pro tour so she could spend time “free surfing” in places she otherwise wouldn’t get to surf. She will return to the tour in 2025.

“I am planning to take this time as a refresh for myself physically, mentally, and enjoy following swells and free surfing in new places,” Gilmore said in a statement announcing the break.

“I have some projects and trips I want to do, which haven’t been possible while traveling during the season. I am still passionate and dedicated to competing, and I have goals and dreams that I am still chasing – I’m excited for this year to activate those and I look forward to returning in 2025.”

WSL’s Chief of Sport Jessi Miley-Dyer said the surfing commmunity fully supported Gilmore’s decision to step back. The WSL has also confirmed Gilmore will receive the 2025 season wildcard to make her return.

“While we will miss Steph’s presence on the CT this season, we wholeheartedly support her decision to take this time for herself,” said Miley-Dyer.

“Steph’s influence on surfing and sport has been profound, inspiring countless people around the world. We eagerly await her return in 2025, where she will be welcomed back with the season wildcard, ready to continue her incredible legacy.”

Gilmore has been competing in the Championship Tour since 2007. In 2022, she won her eighth World Title, surpassing a record of 7 world titles previously held by Layne Beachley.

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A post shared by Stephanie (@stephaniegilmore)

Gilmore’s 12-month departure comes just days after US surfer and defending Olmypic gold medallist Carissa Moore announced she would step away from the World Surf League’s Championship Tour.

Announcing her decision to retire, Moore wrote in a love letter to surfing that “the most important lesson surfing has taught me is to commit, paddle hard, let go of the rails and enjoy the ride.”

“I know who I am, what I want and what is meaningful to me. I am multi-dimensional. I am a surfer, but I am also a wife, sister, daughter, friend,” she wrote. “I want to keep challenging myself in all areas of my life, explore the joy and most importantly, find ways to share more love.”

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Williams, a former Chief Executive Officer of News Limited, will replace Ita Buttrose whose term as Chair comes to an end in March.

Albanese made the announcement at a press conference with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, saying Williams was a perfect fit for the role. Previously, Williams has held roles as chairman of the Sydney Opera House Trust and Commissioner of the AFL. He was the CEO of News Limited (now News Corp) between 2011 and 2013.

“The ABC plays an essential role in Australia – it’s a pillar of our democracy, a lifeline in disaster, a voice for the regions and part of our cultural identity,” Albanese said on Wednesday.

“It’s vital our national broadcaster has a safe and experienced pair of hands at the helm – and that’s what Kim will provide.

“Kim is eminently qualified to provide ongoing stability and leadership to this deeply valued Australian institution.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland thanked Buttrose for her time as Chair.

“Ms Buttrose is a giant of the media and business worlds,” Rowland said. “She has shown steady leadership for five years. She’s maintained a strong defence of the ABC’s independence.”

“She was the right chair for the  right time and we wish her well for the future”.

Buttrose has been a trailblazer in the media industry, becoming the founding editor of Cleo magazine in 1972, and later editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly and The Daily Telegraph. She was appointed Chair of the ABC in 2019 by then Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Buttrose announced she would not seek another term as Chair of the ABC in August last year.

At the time, she said: “I shall miss my time at the ABC. It was an honour to chair. All the things I’ve done in my career equipped me for this role. It was a challenging job. I hope I’ve made a difference.”

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The steering committee, which will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, will specifically focus on advice relating to the development of the standalone First Nations National Plan to end violence against women and children. The plan addresses Target 13 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020-2030, which states the government’s goal to halve the rate of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by 2031.

 “The First Nations National Plan will guide a whole of society approach to addressing the unacceptable rates of family violence and abuse against First Nations women and children,” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said.

 “The Steering Committee will work in genuine partnership with all levels of government to embed the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the First Nations National Plan.

“The appointment of this committee progresses our Government’s work to end violence against women and children in Australia in one generation.”

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are disproportionately impacted by family violence. They are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised and six times more likely to die from domestic violence, compared to non-Indigenous women.

The committee has a two-year term and is comprised of 12 prominent non-government First Nations representatives, 2 Commonwealth representatives, 8 state and territory representatives, as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner.

The federal government is partnering with SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children, an organisation that will support the development of the First Nations National Plan.

“A focus of our approach will be to make sure the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are heard in the development of Australia’s first standalone First Nations National Plan to keep women and families safe,” said SNAICC CEO, Catherine Liddle.

Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, said the committee was one way the Albanese government was working to address the high rates of family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The members of the First Nations Steering Committee bring an enormous depth of experience and expertise and will play an important role in providing guidance and advice.

“This is a demonstration of the Albanese government’s commitment to working in genuine partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to address significant challenges, including family violence and abuse”.

The non-government members of the First Nations steering committee are:

• Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett AO, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and Chairperson of SNAICC
• Rachel Bruce, Operations Manager at Mura Kosker Society, Thursday Island
• Papunya Connors, Team Leader at Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation
• Professor Kyllie Cripps, Professor of Indigenous Studies and Director, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, Monash University
• Wynetta Dewis, Chair of the National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services Forum
• Rachel Dunn, Advocate for the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence in Tasmania
• Alicia Johnson, Senior Policy Officer at the First Peoples Disability Network
• Tess Moodie, victim-survivor and systematic change advocate for the prevention of gender-based violence in Tasmania and nationally
• Craig Rigney, CEO of the KWY Aboriginal Corporation
• Connie-Anne Shaw, After Hours Youth Worker at Tangentyere Council
• Shane Sturgiss, CEO of the BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation
• Associate Professor Hannah McGlade, School of Law, Curtin University

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.

To speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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A recent survey of Victorian women showed that close to half of women are affected by issues relating to their periods, pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, as well as conditions like endometriosis. 

Four in 10 women said they lived with chronic pain, while one in three women said their health conditions affect their ability to work and keep a job. 

The inquiry will hear from women across Victoria and will be led by a panel of experts and overseen by the state’s Women’s Health Advisory Council. Submissions are set to open on 30 January.

“This won’t be a mic drop moment for the majority of Victoria’s population, because every woman has either experienced it for herself or knows someone who has,” said Premier Jacinta Allan, who has been open about her own battle with endometriosis.

“But now we have the evidence to prove it. It’s time we stopped treating women’s health like some kind of niche issue. We deserve to have our pain believed and relieved.”

The survey also highlighted that about 30 per cent of women said they were affected by symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.

And while nearly 60 per cent of participants reported having experienced positive interactions in healthcare settings, one in three said they had dealt with insensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed or unheard. This kind of experience was more common for women suffering from pain, autoimmune conditions, infertility, and menopause, as well as for those who required pre and post-surgical care.

Women’s mental health is also suffering under the stress of dealing with pain or a chronic health conditions, with 20 per cent saying they were forced to forgo social interaction because of their health.

One woman who participated in the survey described how she was prescribed antidepressants when she had acute pelvic pain that was interfering with her ability to sleep and work. Later, she was diagnosed with advanced endometriosis. 

Women in regional and rural communities told the survey that they commonly travel long distances to access the healthcare they need. Women also described difficulty accessing bulk-billed GP services and experiencing long wait lists for public health services.

“The survey results have highlighted that sadly, a systemic gender pain gap still exists,” said Victoria’s Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.

“It’s why we are transforming our health system – delivering new women’s health clinics, recruiting more women’s health specialists and establishing more dedicated sexual and reproductive health hubs across the state.”

The Victorian government is currently in the process of establishing 20 Women’s Health Clinics across the state, which will offer free and wide-ranging care, allowing women to see specialists including gynaecologists, urologists, specialist nursing and allied health professionals, in one clinic. Meanwhile, 9 new reproductive healthcare clinics are being established by the government that will offer free or low cost services.

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