Fifty-Fifth Parliament
SOUTH AUSTRALIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)
House of Assembly Wednesday, 5th March 2025
Motions
International Women’s Day
I move:
That this house—
(a) notes that 8 March 2025 is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is March Forward;
(b) acknowledges that while significant strides have been made, there is still much work ahead to close the gender pay gap, ensure women’s safety, and fairly value both paid and unpaid care work;
(c) notes the achievements of the Malinauskas Labor government in advancing women’s safety and equality, including through the establishment of our Gender Pay Gap Taskforce, promoting diversity on government boards and establishing the successful Women in Business program; and
(d) notes the role of the Australian Services Union to achieve portable long service leave after a 10-year campaign.
Ms THOMPSON (Davenport) (12:34): I also rise today to join the celebration of International Women’s Day, a global observance that not only honours the remarkable achievements of women throughout history but also serves as a catalyst for accelerating our efforts towards gender equality. This day provides an invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the diverse contributions of women from all walks of life. Whether in corporate boardrooms, classrooms, homes, or on the frontlines of social movements, women consistently push boundaries and break barriers. But we need to acknowledge that many women worldwide and here in our own communities continue to face significant challenges, including violence, economic disparity and discrimination.
Today, though, I wish to highlight and celebrate some of the extraordinary women doing incredible things within my community.
Firstly, our community is fortunate to have some excellent principals leading our schools: Sarah Magnusson, Marion Coady, Kylie Eggers, Tracey Thomson, Donella Munro, Paula Skinner, Erika Dixon and Sharon Willoughby. These trailblazers lead with vision, passion and an unwavering commitment to student success. They are shaping the lives and inspiring the young minds of students, demonstrating that leadership transcends gender.
It is also important for me to recognise the emerging female leaders in our schools: at Aberfoyle Park High School, school captain Hannah and vice-captain Lacey and at Seaview High School both captains, Sienna and Lily. These young women exemplify leadership and serve as brilliant role models for their peers.
In fields traditionally dominated by men, women like Tammie Ingleton, President of the Happy Valley Football Club, are redefining leadership and paving the way for future generations.
Emma Murray of Hub Gymnastics has made a profound impact in our community, coaching countless young people and advocating tirelessly for improved facilities. Her efforts, alongside support from the Malinauskas Labor government as well as the Albanese federal government and council have led to the development of a new facility on Candy Road, ensuring that every child eager to participate in gymnastics can do so. I believe there are about 700 kids on the waitlist, so I am very excited for it to open in the next couple of months.
Bev Langley from Minton Farm Animal Rescue Centre in Cherry Gardens has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured native wildlife since 1992. Her tireless efforts ensure that these animals are cared for and given the opportunity to be released back into the wild.
Wendy Perry, author, educator, entrepreneur and Managing Director of Workforce BluePrint, mentors local and international businesses and professionals. Her work with Bhutan, the only net-zero country and GMC the city in the world, demonstrates her commitment to global sustainability and innovation.
Councillor Marion Themeliotis of Thalassa Ward in the City of Onkaparinga is a force to be reckoned with, an unwavering advocate who always puts her community first. While others may take the easy road, Marion is never afraid to stand alone, challenging decisions that do not serve her constituents and holding the council to account. Whether it is fighting against the removal of playgrounds across the city, standing up for better local services or ensuring ratepayers’ voices are heard, she puts herself out there, even when it means going against the majority. She is a fierce, hardworking leader who genuinely listens, acts and delivers for the people she represents.
Associate Professor Mary-Louise Rogers, my hero, is leading world-class research right here in South Australia at Flinders University. Her groundbreaking work in motor neurone disease (MND) research is giving hope to thousands of families affected by this devastating disease. Associate Professor Rogers and her team have pioneered the discovery of biomarkers that can help track MND progression, an essential breakthrough that could speed up the development of new treatments. Her dedication, innovation and relentless pursuit of answers are changing lives, and I know firsthand how much this research means to families impacted by MND.
Jo Watkins, along with her family, has significantly elevated our region’s reputation on the global stage. As the Export, Sales and Marketing Director of Watkins Wine, Jo spearheaded the company’s entry into the US market, achieving remarkable success by selling 15,000 bottles in their initial order. This accomplishment not only showcases the quality of their wines but also highlights Jo’s strategic vision and dedication to expanding their international presence. Under her leadership Watkins Wine has become a prominent exporter, sharing the excellence of South Australian wines with the world.
Finally, I acknowledge a special group of young women who my team and I affectionately refer to as the Daughters of Davenport: Lara, Zara, Bonnie and Georgia are not just active members of our local community, they are our own daughters, the daughters of myself and my colleagues, who have grown up surrounded by public service and community advocacy. Whether it is working the popcorn machine at local events, handing out water at community fun runs or engaging in discussions about important local issues, they are developing their own independent voices and opinions.
It is inspiring to see them take an interest in the world around them, standing up for equality and fairness with a passion that gives us hope for the future.
They are a great reminder that the next generation is ready to take up the fight for respect, equal rights and a better community for everyone.
So today let’s make a commitment not just in words but in actions.
Let’s amplify women’s voices in every space, making sure they are heard and valued.
Let’s call out stereotypes and biases that hold women and girls back.
Let’s lift each other up, knowing that when one woman succeeds we all move forward.
Let’s keep pushing for equal pay, equal opportunities and an end to violence against women.
Finally, let’s create a future where our daughters can dream big and our sons grow up knowing that gender equality makes the world better for everyone.
I commend the motion.