Stepping into Leadership Program

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:30): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister inform the chamber about the recent Stepping into Leadership program graduation?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for his question. It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Stepping into Leadership graduation last week, as it was celebrating the achievements of the 15 graduates who took part in the most recent program. The Stepping into Leadership program is a key initiative supported by PIRSA recognising the important role that women play in agriculture, and empowering women in agribusiness across South Australia.

It has provided valuable professional development opportunities to over 150 women since its inception in 2012, and the most recent graduation was a great opportunity to meet and hear from some of the program's successful graduates about how the high-quality skills and training they received has contributed to building their careers and networks. The program is managed by Women Together Learning (known as WoTL for short), a not-for-profit organisation founded by Partners in Grain to create an organisation that includes women across all agricultural sectors and aims to provide insightful leadership through collaboration to elevate women's positive influence in the sector.

The graduates came from right across the state with participants from Eyre Peninsula, Mount Gambier, or near Mount Gambier, Tailem Bend, Strathalbyn, Clare, Naracoorte, McLaren Vale, Yorke Peninsula and many places in between, representing a fantastic cross-section of our agricultural industries and the frontline of the public sector working alongside those industries.

Programs like these are very important. We know that the contribution that rural and regional women make to the state is enormous, with women making up more than 30 per cent of the people working directly in the agricultural, forestry and fishing industries. It is my desire to see that number grow further, and our government, through my department, will continue to support a number of initiatives, such as the Stepping into Leadership program, that acknowledge and build upon the essential role of women in agriculture.

I was very pleased at the event to be able to confirm that PIRSA will commit funding to assist in the running of the program in 2024, which will support another 15 women to participate and go on to make impactful contributions to their communities and industries. I would like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate the 15 graduates: Skye, Sonia, Ellen, Jessamy, Nicole, Paige, Sarah, Ashleigh, Dili, Eileen, Shannon, Emily, Marissa, Susie and Fiona. I truly look forward to seeing you implement your skills across the ag industries and taking your place as leaders in your respective fields.