Leaders are calling for a more equal gender ratio in all business, professional and political roles today. In the business and professional fields, on boards and organisations, there is a demand for a stronger representation of women to balance the views of the communities they represent.

It is just as critical that women be well represented in the state and federal political spheres. We need to look at ways to make that path more accessible. In the Coalition today women have an uphill battle to gain preselection in safe seats rather than marginal seats, as at present. There are fewer women on the Coalition side of politics in Canberra in both Houses of Parliament than ever – only 13 women.

Alternatively Labor has 29 women. That is a significant difference in opportunities for women but still not enough overall.

The Labor Party has Emily’s List, introduced by the late Joan Kirner, to put forward the names of women interested in a political career. Opting out of a quota system is the Coalition, with the excuse that candidates are chosen ‘on merit’. This belies the reality that the Labor Party has a much fairer representation of women who have proved equally as capable as men. Clearly Coalition women are up against two major obstacles, namely the ‘old boy’s club’ and chauvinistic behaviour of men, both reasons admitted by a Liberal review recently.

Both major political parties now appear keen to support diversity and see a fairer distribution of seats going to women both at a federal and state level. Fortunately we do have some powerful and competent women in Federal Parliament today on both sides of the political spectrum, who are drivers for change.  

Unfortunately there are still not enough of them being given the opportunity to shine. Those women who are already well established politicians manage the challenge and are excellent role models for those first arriving. Close to home is Bendigo’s House of Representative Lisa Chesters  and Ballarat member Catherine King, both of whom have major roles in the shadow Labor Cabinet.

It is disappointing that in the Turnbull Cabinet there are fewer women appointed than in the previous Cabinet. There are 10 women to 30 men in total. Malcolm Turnbull certainly advocates for more female representation. He needs to ensure that it actually happens in practice.

Bill Shorten demonstrated that advocacy for women in the shadow cabinet when he announced the appointments of 28 men and 20 women. The Prime Minister is unable to do the same for women because of the low numbers of women elected to the Coalition.

Women still have a long way to go on many fronts, but my hope is that the women now in parliament and in the future continue to not only ‘hold the line’ but grow in numbers.

It is critical that we strive for equal representation, not only in politics but also in business, cultural and professional fields.

Society is so much richer for diversity, a view supported in any number of studies.

Let’s encourage and celebrate that diversity, inclusive of gender, race and religion, in our Australian parliaments, both state and federal.