Office for Women

The Hon. S.L. GAME (14:54): Supplementary: is the Attorney-General suggesting that in comparison to women, men have it good? How would he then explain the fact that men live shorter lives and take their life, in fact, more often than women?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:54): In terms of the roles and functions performed in society, historically, yes. The evidence is there. The gender pay gaps, the number of men and women comparatively in senior positions in private companies, the number of men and women comparatively in parliament, in almost every facet there is that gap.

I completely agree with the honourable member: there are some areas where special programs need to be implemented for men, and that is exactly what the government does. The government funds things in health and other areas to look at where men face adverse outcomes. But historically, absolutely, women have not taken their place in society, in many institutions, in as many areas as men have.