Jane Hume: For fairness, and efficiency
“Great government, policy and politics depend on women being at the table”
Almost 100 years ago, Edith Cowan became the first woman elected to an Australian parliament, in March 1921.
In Her Seat is asking as many currently serving female politicians as we can how they view gender equality, politics and their impact.
This is a non-partisan project that is soliciting contributions from women in all parties, or none at all, in every parliament.
Jane Hume is a Senator for Victoria and Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology.
Jane was first elected to the Federal Parliament in 2016 and was immediately appointed Chair of the Senate’s Standing Economics Committee. This was a recognition of her professional experience built over the 20 years prior where she worked in progressively senior roles banking and financial services.
Joining the Liberal Party in 2003, Jane took on party roles, including in peak decision-making bodies in Victoria.
You will read below that Jane is uniquely focused on efficiency, in all of its forms.
What does gender equality mean to you?
To me, gender equality is equal opportunity.
There are more women in parliament today than ever before — many who are leading the Government’s most critical portfolios.
Ministers like Linda Reynolds, Marise Payne, Anne Ruston, Karen Andrews and Michaelia Cash, amongst others, have been at the front line of the Government’s successful response to the unprecedented chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Great government, policy and politics depend on women being at the table.
We have come a long way, but there is still much more to be done.
Which female politicians have inspired or encouraged you?
The late Dame Margaret Guillefoyle was Australia’s first female cabinet minister holding a portfolio and Australia’s first minister for finance. She was a trailblazer, an exceptional policy-maker, and has always been a source of great inspiration and encouragement.
As a Senator, she was often asked about her thoughts of being the first woman to do something. Her response always emphasised that it was not important that she was the first, but it was important she was not the last.
What inspired you to serve your community?
I’m a firm believer that every Australian is responsible for making this country a better place, regardless of whether you’re creating innovative products for consumers, engaging with local communities, or helping friends and neighbours.
For me, it was entering Parliament to improve the lives of others.
I wanted to implement practical and real-world policy that spoke to the knowledge gained from a twenty-year career in banking and finance.
I was particularly motivated by the intergenerational importance of governance and the duty of Parliamentarians to manage the economy and better our society to provide the best opportunities for our children and generations to come.
What are the most important contributions you are making in Parliament?
My main driver in all policy and legislative considerations is to make the system fairer and more efficient for Australians.
As I said in my maiden speech, as a member of parliament I believe it is our responsibility to our constituents to make sure their money is spent wisely. The government cannot forget that every dollar it spends is the hard-earned product of the labour of its citizens.
Since becoming the Assistant Minister for Superannuation, I’ve been focussed on delivering the Morrison Government’s plans to address structural flaws in our superannuation system. We’ve been chipping away at these inefficiencies one by one, making money work harder for Australians and saving millions of fund members billions of dollars for their retirement.
What is next for gender equality in politics?
Collectively, we have a responsibility to break down barriers which prevent women taking the plunge into politics, and encourage more to put their hand up.
I will always reach down and offer my hand to the women who will come after, as was done to me.
I am confident my colleagues and those who truly strive to better our nation will do as well.
It has never been a better time to be a woman, whether you’re in politics or out. So long as we avoid complacency and continue to level the playing field it will only improve.
In Her Seat interviews can be accessed here
