Workplace Relations

Mr YOUNG (Longman) (13:51): Yesterday, I made a speech that simply stated facts based on data. I said that men and women, in the main, naturally draw more to different vocations. Quotas trying to equalise workplace numbers by gender, sexuality, religion or race are demeaning and insulting to women and other cohorts. Everything should be based on merit and equal opportunity for all, and I stand by that.

What amazed me was the response from the member for Ballarat who, in question time, quoted part of my speech and tried to twist my words to mean something they didn't. When you speak the truth, you have to expect this sort of response from the Labor Party. What was even more amazing was that in her rant the member actually inferred that people in the vocations that women, in the main, are more drawn to, like hairdressing, nursing and social work—again, this is simply a fact backed by employment data—are less valuable or important than doctors, engineers and CEOs. I can say to the hairdressers, nurses and social workers out there: whether you be male or female, even if Labor consider you to be a second-class citizen, we on this side of the House appreciate you and consider you just as valuable to our society as a doctor, engineer or CEO, and we thank you for the vital role that you play in our society.