MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS, LINDA BURNEY: Thank you all for coming this morning. This is truly history in the making. Today with the introduction of the Constitution Alteration Bill, we are one step closer to making history. One step closer to making history. One step closer to creating a Voice, that makes sure the voices of our people are heard. One step closer to improving lives with a Voice that make a difference. One step closer to moving Australia forward for everyone. This referendum is not about politicians. And it's not about lawyers.

GREG JENNETT, HOST: Malarndirri McCarthy we find you not in Canberra in early autumn, but New York in early spring. This comes with the job. I guess you're there leading this Australian delegation. Tell us a little about its work this week.

LIZ TREVASKIS, HOST: Of course, we've been hearing news of flooding throughout the Victoria Daly over the past 36 hours and now rising river levels across the Barkly region. The evacuation of Kalkarindji, Daguragu, Pigeon Hole and Palumpa has resulted in almost 1000 people being evacuated to Katherine before being bused to Darwin to emergency evacuation centres set up at Marrara and the Darwin Showgrounds. Today the Australian Defence Force, the ADF has gotten involved with those evacuations, flying residents out on a massive C-130 Hercules.

GREG JENNETT, HOST: Malarndirri McCarthy Can I take you to Linda Burney's remarks which we've quoted there? "There will be a voice, not to the government but to the parliament". Is there a significance in that construction that she said on the Party Room podcast?

Courageous and fearless

A true trailblazer

Our grand lady

These are some of the words that have been used to describe a magnificent woman.

Someone I’ve known for more than 30 years

It is with great sadness that I too pay tribute to Lowitja O’Donoghue

Lowitja dedicated her life to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

And deserves Australia’s deepest respect, gratitude and love.

Lowitja's story

Lowitja’s story is the truth of this country

Ballumb Ambul Kaurna yindamarra Ngadu – yirra bang marang

In my language of the mighty Wiradjuri nation -

I pay my respects to the Kaurna people 

I honour their custodianship and care for country.

Thank you Elaine Magias for the warm Welcome.

It is fantastic to be here amongst so many fabulous women to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Thank you to my friend and colleague  and the longest serving female cabinet minister in Australia’s history Penny Wong for hosting this wonderful event.

It’s very famous and I can see why.

I begin by paying respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the ancient Ngunnawal people, and pay my respect to their elders past and present. 

I want to acknowledge the strength and leadership of First Nations women in Australia – who are so often leaders in their communities, holders of knowledge and strong advocates for equality.

SARAH FERGUSON, HOST: Katy Gallagher, welcome to 7.30.

SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER, MINISTER FOR WOMEN: Thanks for having me on, Sarah.

FERGUSON: Today you've announced super will be paid on government-funded parental leave from 2025. Why wait so long to bring it in?

JULIE HARE, HOST: This policy has had a tricky passage through to today’s announcement. It was ALP policy for a long time and then it was jettisoned before the last election. It’s now back. Can you explain for us why it’s had such a troubled time getting through to this point, and especially considering it’s still not assured because it doesn’t come into place until after the next election?

Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, has today delivered on an election commitment and released Australia’s first national strategy to achieve gender equality.

Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality is the Albanese Government’s 10-year commitment to get things working for women in Australia.

The strategy responds to voices of women from around Australia and we heard clearly that they do not want to wait another generation for change.