Yasmin Catley: A community focus
“We need to move beyond tokenism and tick-box approaches”
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.
Yasmin Catley is the Member for Swansea in the New South Wales Parliament and Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Swansea is a regional electorate in the Hunter.
A former librarian, Yasmin worked for the local government in her area. She then went on to work in the offices of federal politicians. She has been a member of the Labor Party since she was 19.
Yasmin was first elected in 2015 and was soon appointed to the frontbench.
Yasmin holds positions focused on rural and regional jobs and on building reform and property. Many people focus on the big policy issues in politics, but as you will read, Yasmin is still focused on the meaningful work she can do in her community. That is where the real impact is.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality is about making sure women are treated equally in all areas of society.
I’m particularly passionate about ensuring the genuine participation of women in the political arena and other decision-making institutions. We need to move beyond tokenism and tick-box approaches.
It’s about truly valuing the contribution that women bring to the table because our input genuinely improves outcomes.
Which female politicians have inspired or encouraged you?
I’ve been a member of the Labor Party since my early 20s. Over that time I’ve gotten to know and work with a great number of strong women, because our party has a proud history of women in leadership. Meredith Burgmann, Linda Burney, Carmel Tebbutt, Jenny McAllister, Jill Hall, Tanya Plibersek and Helene Westwood are some of the women who have shaped my views.
What inspired you to serve your community?
My father encouraged me to join the Labor Party when I was young, so I’ve been around politics and leadership for most of my adult life.
I’m inspired by the Labor values of fairness, justice and equality. I believe it is our role, as the Labor Party, to make people’s lives better. That’s what I believe in and that’s what keeps me motivated.
What are the most important contributions you are making in Parliament?
It’s probably not what you’d expect. It’s actually not the major policies and legislation — although that’s obviously crucial.
To me, the most important work is things like helping someone in the Swansea electorate to get a roof over their head or get transport to their chemo sessions.
That might seem like the small stuff, but that kind of tangible support can be life-changing for people who need it.
What is next for gender equality in politics?
As a female elected representative, I want to help ensure that future generations don’t have to fight for equal participation in politics.
But we’re not there yet, unfortunately. When I attend boardroom meetings, sometimes I’m the only woman present.
My job is to encourage women and girls not to be afraid to put their hand up to be a leader, so that one day soon equal female representation in politics will be the norm.
In Her Seat interviews can be accessed here
