Moreton Bay women lend their voices to economic security strategy

A diverse group of local women came together to have their say on the Crisafulli Government’s Women’s Economic Security Strategy. 

Following a Community Cabinet held at Sandstone Point Hotel, Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan, along with Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson, held a roundtable discussion on the barriers to women’s economic security and potential opportunities. 

Ms Doolan said it was an important opportunity for women in the region to engage directly with the government. 

“It was fantastic to have Minister Simpson in Pumicestone, listening to our trailblazing women about the challenges they face in achieving economic security,” Ms Doolan said. “I also enjoyed hearing their perspectives and ideas about how to enable women in the region to not just feel economically secure, but to thrive." 

Women representing business, disability, sporting, education, domestic violence and legal groups made up the roundtable, designed to assist with the development of Queensland’s first-ever Women’s Economic Security Strategy. 

Minister Simpson said the strategy would be shaped by Queensland women, for Queensland women. 

“We need to learn from women right across the state to understand the tools, opportunities and support needed to create a brighter, more financially secure future,” Minister Simpson said. 

Among the issues raised during the forum were limitations to women re-entering the workforce following parental leave, financial and legal literacy, as well as the distribution of caring responsibilities between men and women. 

Similar events have taken place in Cairns and Rockhampton, with official consultation for the Women’s Economic Security Strategy to commence in the coming weeks, which will include forums in other regional locations.