Fiona O'Malley (Independent)

As it is men's day once again today, I also seek a debate on the subject of women in politics. However, those women who are in politics find it extremely difficult to get items on the agenda. While I have sought a debate on domestic violence for quite some time, it has not taken place. Similarly, a debate on the wider issues pertaining to education also has not taken place. Rather than paying lip-service to the idea of women in politics, those women who are in politics should be listened to and those people they represent should be honoured by addressing those issues they seek to have addressed. I call on the Leader to do such a thing because Members have been waiting for a debate on domestic violence in particular for a long time. For some reason, the importance of this issue does not appear to register. Consequently, I call on the Leader to make it a priority to deal with some of the issues Members, not necessarily women, have raised. I refer to domestic violence because it is an issue about which I have sought a debate from the Leader, as have other colleagues, but which has not happened. It is time to listen to the women who are in politics.

I consider myself to be a good, true Republican and as such, I believe in the separation of church and state. I have listened to and respect people who have faith. While it is a tremendous thing to have a strong faith, it is another matter for the church to rule the state as such, which is part of the problem we have had in this country. As for the subject to which Senator Daly referred, rather than moving calendars and statues, one must remember the ethos that operated within many hospitals in particular-----