Women's Economic Security

Ambihaipahar supported the motion, highlighting investments in childcare, aged care, and early childhood education sectors dominated by women. Ambihaipahar noted that the gender pay gap had reached a record low of 11.9 per cent and women's workforce participation hit 63.4 per cent. Ambihaipahar also mentioned fee-free TAFE, prac payments, and HECS debt reforms as measures supporting women's economic futures.

Webster criticised the government's record on regional health, citing the case of a pensioner in Donald who contracted a superbug and faced significant barriers to care. Webster argued that women in regional areas were being left behind due to inadequate public transport and long ambulance wait times. Webster questioned the effectiveness of government health investments given the difficulties faced by women in remote communities.

Claydon supported the motion, noting Australia's rise to 13th place in the World Economic Forum's global gender gap rankings. Claydon highlighted wage increases, cheaper childcare, and investments in women's safety and health, including PBS listings for contraception. Claydon emphasised the historic representation of women in parliament and cabinet as evidence of structural change.

Ryan acknowledged progress in parental leave and wages but criticised the exclusion of medicine, allied health, and veterinary science students from the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme. Ryan argued that this exclusion perpetuated structural inequities and financial hardship for students in female-dominated fields. Ryan called for the scheme to be expanded to include all care-sector students to prevent placement poverty and support workforce participation.

Soon supported the motion, highlighting the extension of paid parental leave to 26 weeks by 2026 and the introduction of superannuation on parental leave. Soon noted that women were earning $217.40 more per week than in May 2022 and cited tax cuts and student debt reductions as benefits for women. Soon also mentioned $4 billion in funding to combat gender-based violence and investments in women's health clinics.

Chaney acknowledged government steps but highlighted ongoing challenges for the sandwich generation, who care for both children and ageing parents. Chaney pointed to the persistent gender pay gap, with women earning nearly 22 per cent less in total remuneration, and significant superannuation disparities. Chaney called for better support for carers, valuation of feminised industries, and awareness of cultural norms affecting economic outcomes.