Ms Caroline Farrell:

Senator Paul Daly mentioned what the different organisations were doing to increase women’s participation. I am sure he is aware of our diversity report which seeks to encourage women and young women farmers into the organisation.

Another issue - I think it was mentioned by Senator Lombard and perhaps I picked it up wrong - is that this committee is male-dominated. Apart from Senator Boylan, all members are male. Perhaps members should get women’s views, apart from their own, when they are discussing these issues. Just because you are a man does not mean you cannot listen to other women. That is really what I am trying to say. It would be great to see many more women on any or all of these committees and in all walks of life. Just because they are not visible does not mean they are not there. On most farms, the farmer, a man, is out there in front but much of the organisation, forward planning and business management is done in the boardroom, which is generally the kitchen table. Just because the women are not visible does not mean they cannot make a point or contribute to the committee’s formation of its opinions on what might be right for women.