STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator CAROL BROWN (Tasmania) (13:44): I rise to acknowledge and congratulate Ms Dona Taguinod on being named one of the 2025 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Foundation for Filipina Women's Network. This year marks the silver jubilee of the organisation, making this honour especially significant. Dona will receive her award at the Global FWN 100 Awards in San Francisco at the end of October this year.

This award celebrates Filipina women who shape policy, open new pathways for others and strengthen communities across the world. Dona's leadership is a shining example of those values. Dona currently serves Australia through her work in government consulting and public policy.

I've also seen firsthand her dedication to public service through her time in my office. She assisted constituents, built strong relationships with community organisations and provided thoughtful policy advice. Her commitment to equity, inclusion and opportunity is consistent to every role she holds.

Her impact reaches far beyond government. As founder and managing director of ISA Australia, Dona has helped many international students and skilled migrants to build new lives and futures here. During the COVID pandemic, she founded the Filipino Student Society Tasmania to ensure vulnerable young people stayed supported and connected.

Her involvement with the Philippines-Australia Community of Tasmania has strengthened cultural understanding and created a real sense of belonging for new arrivals. Through the ISA scholarship program, she supports high-achieving young Filipinos, especially young women from regional areas, to pursue education and leadership development. I thank Dona's family for their support, encouragement and belief in her aspirations.

Dona is an inspiration to her local community and to women across Australia and to Filipinas around the world. I congratulate her on this outstanding and well-deserved honour.