The latest news about what's going on in Hotham.
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The latest news about what's going on in Hotham.
Can't find the update you're looking for? Try taking a look at Clare's Facebook.
In this Parliament, out of a lower house team of 58 MPs, the Government only has 11 women. That's shocking.
I was sad to hear the news that Kelly O'Dwyer will be departing from politics. As the Minister for Women, the most senior woman in the Party and an outspoken advocate for equal representation, her departure is a huge loss for the Liberal Party.
The Labor Party are on track to hit 50/50 gender representation by next year. Unfortunately, the Liberal Party isn't even on track to hit that target by 2025.
What's more unfortunate though is the fact that Kelly O'Dwyer isn't the only female MP the Liberals are set to lose. Following Julia Banks' defection to the cross bench, Ann Sudmalis quitting over her treatment in the party and Jane Prentice losing her spot on the Senate ticket, the Liberal Party are set to lose several of their female parliamentarians.
There's even a question mark sitting above Julie Bishop's head as to whether she will recontest her seat.
This is so disappointing, yet no one in the Liberal Party seems inclined to talk about the issue, let alone fix it. The Liberal Party have time and time again ruled out the use of quotas; they have labelled quotas "counter-productive" and suggested that women just need to "fight for their spot" in Parliament. They've even thrown around the term 'quota girl'. This is disappointing to say the least.
The Liberals can't keep trying to sweep gender inequality under the rug. I'm proud to be a member of a party that isn't afraid of assertive women and who welcome the idea of a 50/50 gender split in leadership.
It's time for the Liberal Party to step up and take comprehensive action on gender inequality.