Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It's so wonderful that so many people are in the chamber; I think it's because everyone wants to see more economic inclusion! This is something that this Albanese Labor government is really proud to be working on. That's because we believe in a society where all people can achieve their full potential, and this government is actively working on how we can do this.

One of the things that we see often with economic exclusion is that it is systemic; it's often institutionalised. We are having a look at the ways we can put structures in place to make sure we can improve the lives of other people. This also includes women. One of the things that we've seen with this Economic Inclusion Committee is that we want to make sure that we look at options to reduce barriers and disincentives to work. This includes social security and employment services. It means creating equal jobs, and the government is working hard every day to address the gender pay gap. The recent report on women's economic equality revealed that Australian women are much less likely to work full-time than women in many other OECD countries. That's quite a concern. The report also found that women do the majority of formal care work, which is generally low-paying. And in aged care, child care or disability support, again, it is women that are making up the majority of the workforce.

So we're lifting the wages for these workers. In WA, for example, we have 26,000 aged-care workers that have earned between $129 to $340 more every week—the result of our support for aged-care workers. Let's remember what we saw at the royal commission and what was happening in our aged-care facilities. We need to make sure that we look after our most experienced Australians. They deserve to be cared for, and the workers that look after them should be paid fairly.

The Albanese Labor government is working to encourage more women into vocations that are traditionally male dominated. This has been done through our initiatives in STEM education and career development, which is led by our wonderful Minister for Industry and Science. We're also providing cheaper child care and extending paid parental leave. These are tangible measures to reduce the barriers and disincentives to go to work. We must do this because the issue of economic exclusion is complex.

Complexity requires an integrated and whole-of-government approach: a statutory body which will have an important role in overseeing policy design and development—an oversight that can span across government when it comes to budgetary outlay and the implications of its decision. This is a bill I champion for these reasons. I want everyone in Australia to achieve their potential and not be trapped by disadvantage but thrive because the Australian government has their back. Our government puts people at the centre of policy development by advancing financial and economic inclusion, delivering economic growth that's inclusive for all Australians.

The committee established by the bill will contribute to a policy of inclusive growth under the umbrella of a statutory body which will advise the Albanese government and consult and work in partnership to achieve a better outcome for all Australians.

In closing, I urge you to recognise the profound implications of this bill. By establishing the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, we take a significant step towards a society where economic opportunities are accessible to all, breaking the chains of disadvantage and fostering a community where everyone can thrive. I commend the bill to the House.

See this speech in context