It's not enough to just talk about equality - leaders need to work with with industries to take action.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This, according to Tasmania's Minister for Women Sarah Courtney, who said the state is continuing to make gains in creating a more inclusive society.
However, she said more work needs to be done, particularly when it comes to reducing barriers for women seeking and gaining employment in stable, high-paying and diverse industry roles.
International Women's Day coverage: Nine inspiring women paving the way for change
Today, Ms Courtney will launch the government's Leadership and Participation for Women Action Plan 2021-23, aimed at building on the momentum created by Australian of the Year, Tasmania's Grace Tame.
Considering the national conversation being had around sexual assault, including a moment in state Parliament on Thursday when Greens leader Cassy O'Connor called for an end to casual sexism, misogyny and rape culture, Ms Courtney said she accepted there was more work to do.
"Obviously there has been a great deal of discourse in the media around this topic recently and I think we need to look at society more broadly," she said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Various workplaces, whether it's in politics, the private sector, community organisations - the culture in those sectors is representative of a culture in a community.
"So I think we still have more work to do, but I am also very cognisant that we have made enormous gains in recent years."
In 2018 Tasmania became the first Australian state with a majority female Parliament. Women now hold 56 per cent of House of Assembly seats and 60 per cent of Legislative Council seats.
However, Ms Courtney said as a leader she recognised the importance of not just making policies, but ensuring they are implemented effectively.
"It's not sufficient not to just talk about equality. We need to actually work with industry and partner with industry and take action," she said.
"One thing I would like to say is how pleased I have been in this portfolio and indeed my previous portfolios across resources, including mining, forestry, primary industries, building and construction and fisheries ... how engaged the leaders in those industries are.
"We have really positive attitudes from the leaders in those sectors, so I am confident we will be able to make even further gains, particularly in creating employment opportunists for women."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner