REMARKS AT THE WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY 2024
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, SYDNEY
THURSDAY, 7 MARCH 2024
Friends, it’s an honour to be here.
I’m conscious that this is not an occasion to hog the microphone for too long.
But I do want to acknowledge a few truths the day prior to International Women’s Day.
The first and most important is a recognition of fact, that we haven’t yet reached equality between men and women in Australia in 2024.
Women have changed the state in so many positive ways –
But there are still too many areas in life, where it is not fair and it is not equal.
Women are still less likely to feel safe in their community.
More likely to face discrimination at work.
More likely to struggle financially in retirement.
More likely to be paid less for their labour.
And across the board – more likely to take on the domestic load at home.
The state leaders understand our responsibility.
Equality doesn’t just happen.
We need to keep pushing for it.
To close the gender gap.
To make our communities safer.
To give greater security to working women.
To educate kids about respectful relationships.
And to create an environment where everyone, particularly young girls, have the chance to be their best.
As Premier – I feel privileged to work with so many women who have dedicated their life, their professional lives, to this mission.
And for the first time in the state’s entire history, half the ministers in the New South Wales cabinet are women.
And that includes the Deputy Premier, Prue Car.
And the Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
Friends, the research here is emphatic.
When you have women in the room, participating in the conversation, leading the debate – the State makes better decisions.
Of course, the inverse is true as well –
If you’re not valuing women, you’re missing out.
And that is what this morning is all about.
Valuing the extraordinary women in New South Wales.
As Premier, it’s a great honour to be associated with the five nominees for this year’s Woman of Excellence Award.
Five leaders in their field.
Five inspiring role models, each making a giant leap forward – for women, but also for our entire community.
We have Professor Clara Chow – working to prevent heart disease; while finding new ways to intervene and care for patients.
We have Jessica Hill – campaigning against gendered violence and coercive control; and winning Walkley awards for her passionate coverage.
We have Professor Adriana Vergés – protecting our coasts from climate change; restoring marine habitats across this state.
We have Cara Varian – helping talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds get a great education and, in the process, drawing out talent from across the state.
And we have Commissioner York – coordinating the response to our worst floods in living memory and saving lives under the most challenging of circumstances.
Now friends, each would be a worthy winner.
They all work in different fields, but they share essential qualities:
Passion, excellence, a commitment to public service and social justice.
So I want to take the opportunity to congratulate all the nominees for this award.
And congratulate all the other nominees for all the other awards and categories this morning.
And this week – I would like to say to every woman in New South Wales, on behalf of the New South Wales Government, thanks so much for the work that you do. Much of it unsung.
It’s extraordinary to see the leadership in our community across so many sectors and parts – from academia, the law, government, business – it’s a great privilege to serve as the Premier of this great state.
Thank you.
