Legislative Council, Thursday 24 November 2022

Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for WOMEN, Ms PALMER

It is nearly the end of 2022, and I am not sure that the strategy is going to be released before the end of 2022. Will we need to change the name to Women's Strategy 2023-27? I would have thought it would have been out earlier than this.

ANSWER

I thank the member. The events of the last few years have been unprecedented, not just in Tasmania but certainly globally. We have taken extra time to consult quite widely with a number of key stakeholders and the community to ensure that the strategy does reflect contemporary practices and expectations. It is more important than ever that the vision is stronger and more resilient for Tasmanians. I can assure you the department is currently finalising that strategy. Can I say that the first version of the strategy that came to me had a strong COVID-19 focus? I feel that now we are moving into a time where we are learning to live with COVID-19. Whilst some emphasis has been placed on that, I felt that the strategy needed to be more forward-focused. I have taken my time, and have asked the department to also take its time, to make sure that we have a strategy that is moving into the future. My anticipation and my understanding is that it will be delivered this year.

Ms Forrest - However, we still might need to call it the 2023-27 strategy.

Ms PALMER - I will note your comment.