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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-03-08 Daily Xml
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International Women's Day

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (14:32): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister inform the chamber about the contribution rural and regional women make to the state to mark International Women's Day?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:33): I thank the honourable member for her very important question; it is a very appropriate day to be asking such a question. To mark International Women's Day, it is a privilege to be able to talk about the contribution that rural and regional women make to South Australia, in particular in terms of the primary industries sector. In South Australia women make up more than 30 per cent of the workforce in agricultural, forestry and fishing industries. Furthermore, in the food and beverage manufacturing industry women make up more than 40 per cent of the workforce.

It is fitting for the state government to identify opportunities and initiatives that can support the pivotal roles women play in rural industries, businesses and communities. One such way is the program Women Together Learning (WoTL) Stepping into Leadership course that is specifically aimed at women in agriculture and agribusiness. I have attended several WoTL events since being appointed as minister, and I am always struck by the breadth of talent and experience of the participants, both past and present, who are involved in the program.

WoTL is a supportive and collaborative network that creates opportunities and helps enable women in agriculture to thrive. I am pleased to advise that 15 women from diverse South Australian primary industries are currently enrolled in the program. These women will benefit from initiatives, such as professional development and networking, which will ultimately assist in elevating their own positive influence within their regional and rural communities. Participants also receive individual coaching and mentoring and they take part in workshops, both in person and through webinars. This year's group will graduate in October 2023, and by that stage it will mean that more than 120 women have completed the program since it began in 2012.

The government is also proud to support the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in South Australia, which both supports and acknowledges the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities. I have spoken in this place before about the 2023 finalists, who are five women from across various parts of South Australia, representing a cross-section of regional industries. This year's award recipient will be announced in May and will receive a $15,000 Westpac grant. The successful recipient will also represent South Australia at the national AgriFutures Rural Women's Award event in Canberra later this year.

At a global level, women have always been major contributors to agriculture and food production. According to the United Nations, almost a third of women's employment worldwide is in agriculture, forestry and fishing. We must also acknowledge the significant contribution that women make to primary industries and, more broadly, in their regional and rural communities, and that includes both paid roles but also very important unpaid roles.

Best wishes to the finalists in the Rural Women's Award and the talented group of women participating in the Stepping into Leadership class of 2023. You all represent just a few South Australian women who are making a difference every day in your regional and rural communities and in primary industries. To women in agribusiness, to women across our regional and rural communities, and indeed to all women across the state: happy International Women's Day.

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