Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question—the first one I have had as minister representing in this area. I say this as a starting point: it is quite clear from that question that the senator has not read the submission. I invite her to do so because I understand it is public. But I have to say that it is an ironic question to come from a member of the Liberal Party, who implemented Work Choices legislation, which had in its sights low-paid workers, particularly women. We know from the studies that were done, the anecdotal evidence and the evidence on the ground that amongst the people most vulnerable under Work Choices were women workers in this country.

The hypocrisy of that question really is quite extraordinary, from one of the great barrackers of Work Choices over there, sitting on the back bench. When was the last time, Senator, you argued for pay equity? When was the last time anyone on that side of the chamber argued for pay equity? Which was the government that put through amendments that ensured that provisions were in the legislation that enabled this case to be given?

Senator, you come in here asking these questions not out of any interest for the wages and conditions of women workers, not out of any interest for pay equity, because we know what your history is as a party, but because you want to make a political point. This is a government that remains committed to pay equity. We understand that it is not only just and fair but it is also about increasing women’s participation. We understand that Australian women currently earn 83c for every dollar earned by men—(Time expired)