Simone McGurk: It’s a long game
“I got a fire in my belly in high school, and it hasn’t gone out.”
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.
One of our first interviews is with Simone McGurk, Minister for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services in the Western Australian Government.
Simone was first elected in 2013 as the WA Member for Fremantle.
When her party came to government in 2013, Simone became WA’s first Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence. In that role, she is leading a whole-of-government approach to tackling the issue.
Before parliament, Simone worked in the union movement for over 22 years. She was one of the first women elected to be an Organiser for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, before being elected the Assistant State Secretary in 1997. She later worked with the union United Voice.
From 2007, Simone served as Assistant Secretary, and later Secretary, of Unions WA. There, she coordinated the Your Rights at Work Campaign and campaigned for more local content and local jobs during WA’s mining boom.
Simone has also worked for the Yamatji Land and Sea Council, and as a producer with the ABC.
What does gender equality mean to you?
To me, achieving gender equality means that every woman and girl has the right to reach her full potential in all aspects of life.
Women must be free from discrimination and violence — in short, treated as equal partners.
Which female politicians have inspired or encouraged you?
Julia Gillard is at the top of my list.
She managed to pass a huge amount of legislation while leading a minority government. And if those achievements didn’t convince you of her capacity to lead, the way she has conducted herself since leaving politics is a masterclass in fostering a legacy beyond the prime ministership.
She was obviously a trailblazer, but I’ve been inspired by her tenacity, her passion for education and equality, her ability to get things done despite all odds and how she never loses sight of what’s important.
What inspired you to serve your community?
When I was in high school, it became evident to me that I couldn’t take for granted the sort of opportunities that were available to many others.
I got a fire in my belly then, and it hasn’t gone out.
What are the most important contributions you are making in Parliament?
I am WA’s first Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, and I find great purpose in that work. This State has very high rates of family and domestic violence, and elevating this issue to a standalone portfolio sends a very clear message about the McGowan Government prioritising the safety of women and children.
We are also progressing some very important reforms to WA’s child protection system. Since our Earlier Intervention and Family Support Strategy has commenced, we have seen promising results that indicate a reduction in the number of children coming into care.
I’m also proud to have delivered WA’s first long-term plan for gender equality, Stronger Together, and record investment in homeless services in line with a commitment to do things differently to get better outcomes.
What is next for gender equality in politics?
I think it’s a long game, and people are right to be impatient — or as I have been known to put it, cranky — about the level of inequality that still exists.
But fundamental change is rarely quick. It is going to take time, persistence, courage and leadership to break down the inequality that is baked in to our society.
There is still significant work to do, and we need strong voices — female and male — to continue to fight for gender equality in politics and beyond.
One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has made crystal clear is how crucial childcare is to not just women, but for all of society. I believe the next big reform in this space will be around reframing and restructuring our childcare system.
COVID has shown that we can change quickly when we want to. Let’s be ambitious and demonstrate that effectiveness in achieving gender equity. Our girls deserve nothing less.
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