STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator WHITEAKER (Western Australia) (13:31): It's been really heartwarming to hear over the last few days speeches, delivered by my colleagues, from young people right across Australia. What an impressive group of young people we have! Raise Our Voice is a campaign that gives young Australians the chance to have their speeches heard on a national stage.

This year, it asks them, 'What is one big issue shaping your future, and what is meaningful action you want parliament to take?' I'm going to share the words of a very impressive young woman from Western Australia, Amelia, who is 10. She says: Have you ever really thought about gender equality? We love to talk about the 'fair go' in this country, but the truth is, we aren't delivering it equally yet.

Look at the facts. The average Australian woman still takes home less pay than a man for doing the exact same job. On top of that, women still shoulder the vast majority of unpaid childcare and housework.

That is not a fair go; that is an old-fashioned system holding us back. This isn't about pitting men against women. True equality lifts all of us up.

It means a young girl growing up in Australia can aim for the top job without a second thought. It also means a dad can take time off work to be with his newborn baby without worrying about what his mates or boss might think. Fixing this doesn't just make social sense, it makes economical sense.

We need to modernise our workplaces, support working parents and close that stubborn pay gap for good. Let's work together to build an Australia where your gender never decides your pay-cheque or potential. Wow—what powerful words, Amelia!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share your words in the Senate. I hope one day we'll see Amelia and many of the young people who've had their words shared this week making their own speeches in this parliament.