Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians
Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy has created history today by being the first Indigenous Australian woman to deliver Australia's National Statement to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
In delivering Australia's National Statement, Senator McCarthy highlighted that gender equality is at the heart of the Australian Government's vision for a better future.
In speaking to the forum's theme of Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, the statement underscored the need to ensure inclusion in technology and innovation and closing the digital divide, especially for First Nations women, women living in rural and remote areas, and those impacted by natural disasters.
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering for women by investing:
- in 1000 digital traineeships in the Australian Public Service which are specifically targeted to those who are usually excluded from this sector, including women and First Nations people
- $31.6 million over five years to address technology-facilitated abuse and to improve online safety.
Senator McCarthy also told the UN that the Albanese Government will deliver on an election promise and introduce a National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality.
Australian woman - and prominent Australian Labor activist, Jessie Street was instrumental in establishing the Commission for the Status of Women in 1946 as a standalone commission of the United Nations. It remains the premier global institution for advancing the rights of women around the world.
Quotes attributable to Senator McCarthy:
"The Albanese Labor Government has put women back at the centre of our agenda and has ensured gender equality is a core economic imperative."
"We know that good outcomes for women are good for the nation and that's why we are energised and ready to take on the hard work needed to achieve the change necessary for women and girls."
"As a Yanyuwa Garrawa woman from Gulf Country in the Northern Territory, I'm incredibly proud and humbled to represent all Australian women and girls with this distinguished delegation on the world stage."
"Australia is serious about achieving gender equality, and we are committed to working with partners across our region and the globe to achieve long-lasting change for women and girls."
