Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am proud to be part of a government with 50 per cent women and a majority women cabinet. We are better off for the collective contribution by women made in this place to our great nation. So it was with great pride that I attended the official launch of Women in Government Relations Australia last week, in the lead-up to International Women's Day. The global theme of 'Give to Gain' was fitting, with my good friend Sarah Cullens launching the new initiative, built on over two decades of hard work in the political arena, giving back to the sisterhood, in the government relations sector. It's a great move, to see more women lifted up and supported in a heavily male dominated workspace.

So I am so deeply disgusted at the underhanded attempt to dress up misogyny by way of a veiled attack on lobbying groups in the Australian on Friday. It stinks more of fear and a hurt ego, when others look to tear down the very people trying to lift others up. We need to do better.

I stand in this place proudly in support of Women in Government Relations Australia and of the founder, Sarah Cullens, and recommit my support to help provide mentoring for those looking to pursue a career in the government relations sector. I will close with words from Sarah: 'Real leadership is about creating opportunities, backing and nurturing talent and ensuring more voices are heard.'

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