The Queensland Government has hosted the state’s first Women’s Economic Security Thought Leader Roundtable in Brisbane.
A series of roundtables will inform Queensland’s first-ever Women’s Economic Security Strategy, which will identify barriers and opportunities to empower women to achieve their aspirations and create a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Queensland.
In attendance at the first Roundtable were female leaders from not-for-profit organisations working in housing, domestic and family violence, crisis support, employment and training, health, education, youth, and social connection.
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Fiona Simpson (pictured) said the Government was determined to elevate the issue and find solutions in partnership with women, business, and community across Queensland.
“As Queensland’s first Minister for Women’s Economic Security, this Roundtable has been invaluable – and this is just the start of direct input from Queensland women into our first Women’s Economic Security Strategy,” Minister Simpson said.
“For too long, the former Labor Government covered up harassment and bullying of women in Queensland workplaces – derailing progress on equality and security for women across our State.
“The Crisafulli LNP Government is focused on delivering the fresh start Queensland women deserve, with better economic outcomes for women and real economic security for women and girls.
“Some of the strongest messages to come out of our first Roundtable discussions were focused on more partnerships – not only with government, but also between the community and the business sector.
“This is about hearing from women with diverse backgrounds from across Queensland and ensuring that we not only identify the problems, but we also find the solutions, which can only be found in the wisdom of those with lived experience.
“This is critically important at a time when women aged over 55 are the fastest growing cohort experiencing homelessness, and 15.4% per cent of Queensland women retire with no personal income.”
The Women’s Society founder, Jade Nelson – who runs the Townsville-based grassroots charity working to reduce isolation and loneliness among women – said she was really excited to be part of the first Roundtable.
“It is really important to advocate for the voices of women across North Queensland, but also for me to be able to network and share ideas with other amazing women who are leaders in their space,” Ms Nelson said.
“Too many women are falling through the cracks, especially in regional and remote areas, so I’m hoping we can accelerate action for women in those areas.”
A statewide survey has also launched giving all Queensland women the opportunity to outline their current economic status and highlight key areas to improve their economic security. The survey is also open to employers to identify priorities for women’s participation in the workplace and improving career progression.
The survey for individuals is available here: https://survey.surveymanager.net.au/n/KaRukyv?ver=1227584083.
The survey for organisational leaders is available here: https://survey.surveymanager.net.au/n/KRRuVQ9?ver=2121640800.
The Government says future roundtables will be held across Queensland – in both metropolitan and regional locations. They will focus on women in business, specific considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, dedicated services for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women engaged in social and economic entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as increased cooperation with financial institutions to better support women to build financial security.
