PARLIAMENT OF AUSTRALIA SITE VISIT

The LIP were honoured to attend a site visit on Ngunnawal Country, at the Parliament of Australia in Canberra on 23 and 24 November. Our visit was supported by the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services the Hon Stephen Jones MP and Ms Alison Byrnes MP, members for Whitlam and Cunningham who met with the group and generously shared leadership advice, candidly answered questions and explained their role in the parliament.

The group also had the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories the Hon Kristy McBain MP, the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Senator Jacqui Lambie, Former Senator Chris Ketter and Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore.

A visit to Question Time enhanced the groups' understanding of the parliamentary process, culture and environment even further. The group were grateful for the openness with which each leader shared their personal story, the passion behind their commitment, their challenges and their reasons for being involved in parliament. There was much wisdom shared, with each LIP member taking away new lessons and inspiration for their continued leadership journey.

Among the rich discussions we received heartfelt leadership advice, shared to encourage the LIP to make and drive change including:

“Learn to say no, so that you can do the things that matter really well”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself, always get back up, and don’t change who you are”
“Take seriously the role of forging the path for other women. It’s incumbent on all of us to continue forging the path and continue breaking down doors, gates, whatever it may be”
“Critical mass is important, men have to have a role too [in progressing equality at work]”
“Postcode doesn’t limit your opportunity”
“Don’t try to hide if you stick out for being different, don’t see it as a limiting factor, it’s an opportunity”
“Be the one to ask why, you have a voice, don’t be afraid to use it”
 
The group also had the opportunity to visit with His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley at Government House. Read more here.