BPW Adelaide Suffragette Dinner

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about South Australian suffragettes.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: South Australia led the world in political rights in 1894 when all women, including Aboriginal women, won the right to vote and to sit in state parliament. Can the minister update the chamber on the recent BPW Adelaide Women's Suffragette Dinner?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for his question. It gave me great pleasure last night to co-host the BPW Adelaide Suffragette Dinner, along with the Hon. Michelle Lensink and Ms Frances Bedford MP.

The event was attended by many women from a range of different communities across the state, including a number of members of parliament, and I thank them for their support. It was wonderful to be in such good company and to be able to celebrate the 120-year anniversary of women's suffrage in South Australia.

BPW is a community of women who strive to improve conditions for working women. Its objective is to help women achieve personal and professional goals through networking, friendship, development programs and workshops, as well as attending national and international conferences.

Organisations such as BPW and events such this suffragist dinner are incredibly important, because they remind us that we must not become complacent when it comes to achieving women's equality. It has been 120 years since South Australian suffragists made remarkable gains for women's rights in this state, and we acknowledged the work of many women yesterday evening, including Muriel Matters, who was born in the Adelaide inner city suburb of Bowden in the late 19^th century and who campaigned tirelessly with the Women's Freedom League to further the cause of women.

Yet, we are still faced with entrenched inequality throughout much of our society. For example, as at 1 June 2015, women comprised 25 per cent of South Australian parliamentarians and 29 per cent of all parliamentarians in Australia. These figures are obviously well below the proportion of women in the Australian population, which is just above the 50 per cent mark.

The gender gap in politics and wider society has serious implications for our society. We know that women have much to contribute to society and that when they are supported they can do great things, which is why it is even more important that we address the cultural reasons why women continue to be under-represented not only in politics but also as leaders of business and other leadership roles in society.

Obviously I am very proud to be part of a government that is determined to continue to enable women to reach their potential as leaders in any field they might choose, and we are not just talking the talk of equality but are working very hard to establish targets and initiatives. For instance, in 2004 we set ourselves gender balance targets in South Australia's Strategic Plan—the first jurisdiction in Australia to do so—and, more recently, we have provided scholarships for 50 women to attend a governance course through the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The Premier's Council for Women (PCW) works very hard to improve the opportunities, wellbeing of and services for South Australian women. Established in 2002, the Premier's Council for Women provides leadership and advice to ensure that the interests of women are at the forefront of government policies and strategies. PCW's work plan for 2014-18 focuses on four priority areas, one of which is women and leadership.

In partnership with the Office for Women and with local industry, PCW has developed a guide to best practice for attracting, retaining and promoting women in executive levels of industry. 'Words into Action: a practical guide to achieve gender equity in your work place and improve your company's performance' was developed in response to organisations seeking help to assist them turn their commitment for gender equity into real, practical action.

Events such as the BPW Adelaide Suffragette Dinner remind us that although South Australia has a proud history of women's rights, we must remain vigilant and tireless, and continue to act with courage to ensure equality for women throughout society.