CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms JARRETT (Brisbane) (11:59): I grew up surrounded by strong women. There are seven girls in my family. My mum and grandma were true matriarchs.

At school I was taught mainly by women teachers, and throughout my career I've been mentored and sponsored by strong, accomplished women, who actually paved the road that I then walked. Being surrounded by strong, knowledgeable, caring and supportive women gave me my voice. I tell this story because women can make a difference, especially if we support each other.

Women matter and their voices matter. Women make up half the population, yet our issues are often misunderstood, dismissed or sometimes ignored. But we know that having women in leadership positions drives the changes that women need.

You can't be what you can't see. Women have a place in this world. We can lead and we can make a difference.

This is why I recently had the pleasure of joining a panel of women leaders at the University of Queensland. The event, attended mainly by aspiring young women, was hosted by Zoe, the President of the Political Science and International Relations Society at the university. The discussion centred on the recognition that diverse representation leads to better outcomes in policymaking and in government.

I couldn't agree more. Look at our landmark women's health package and our support for pay rises for some of the lowest paid workers across the country. Millions of award-reliant workers will see a pay rise of between 4.75 per cent and six per cent in their pay packets from 1 July in a few weeks time, and these workers are predominantly women.

I also spoke to the students, though, about the importance in leadership of holding true to your values, backing yourself, being brave and, importantly, being kind to yourself. It was so inspiring to be amongst so many young future women leaders, some who may one day sit in my chair in this chamber. Thank you, Zoe and the team, for a wonderful event.

Tragically, we recently lost an Australian hero and legend Neale Daniher to motor neurone disease. Neil fought what he called the beast with courage, optimism and passion that brought hope and inspiration to many people affected by MND. The difference he made can be measured in national awareness and in the tens of millions of dollars that he and the FightMND fund have raised to support research for a cure.

Approximately 3,000 Australians live with MND, including former Broncos and Queensland Maroons player Jai Arrow. It's a debilitating disease. It forced him to retire early.

It took the life of a friend of mine who never got the chance to see her daughter grow up. We still haven't found a cure, and we know we need to step up our efforts to find one. That's why it was great to join hundreds of Brisbane residents at the New Farm annual walk for MND.

As we said on that day, until there's a cure, there is care and there is community. I want to say to everyone with MND: we have your back.