Page 201 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 May 1989
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I hope that the Minister for Education will have the opportunity to have a look at some of the work that has been done on this within the Schools Authority over the last few years. One hopes that there will be emphasis on girls having the opportunity to study mathematics and physics and chemistry at whatever level, so that when they leave school and go into the work force they have job choices available to them. Invariably those with a mathematical-science background have a choice of 80 per cent of the high paying jobs, whereas if you come from a verbal background you have a choice of about 80 per cent of jobs that are low paying.
Putting an emphasis on employment at this stage may well not be enough. We may well have to look very carefully at our schools. It is not good enough to say that we can just force girls to do mathematics. Often they do not want to do so because they do not have the basic concepts and understanding they may well gain from a preschool system. When people are looking at budgets for preschools, let us keep in mind the sort of money that is being spent on trying to give women an equal opportunity, an equal chance, and to give them equity. It is critical to ensure that such opportunities are provided in their education. Education is absolutely critical in this particular area.
The Minister for Community Services and Health has covered very well the sort of areas where women are involved in health. But may I, in conclusion, draw the Chief Minister's attention in her responsibilities for consumer affairs to a comment that was made to me on a number of occasions, particularly through the campaign. It is a comment that many people would be unhappy to make, but it is that women's sanitary wear is particularly expensive, there is sales tax on it and it is an unjust situation. I urge the Chief Minister to use her influence to lobby the Federal Government to remove that inequitable sales tax.
MRS NOLAN (4.05): I did not intend to speak in this debate this afternoon, but I would like to take this opportunity to endorse a few of the words that Mr Kaine has said. Also, I took exception to a comment made by Mrs Grassby. I am sorry that she is not now in the chamber, but I object strongly to hearing the words "token woman". I am quite happy to see a woman in the Fire Department, or whatever department Mrs Grassby referred to, if the woman in that position has equal ability.
The Liberal Party endorses the principle of equal opportunity, but it must be based on merit and fair competition and not on token womanism, if you like. We are committed to equality and opportunity for all individuals, not just women, and oppose unfair and discriminatory practices. I recognise that women at home or active in the workplace or in the community should have equal opportunity to pursue their chosen lifestyle.
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