In 1902, Australian women were amongst the first in the world to be extended the right to vote in federal elections, although indigenous women had to wait another 60 years. In 1943, Dame Enid Lyons and Dorothy Tangney were the first
two women in the federal parliament. Despite the increase in number of female parliamentarians, women are still underrepresented in our political system.
‘Sexism should always be unacceptable.’
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, 2012
In the decades since, the rights of Australian women have been debated, won and lost in the federal parliament. Issues recorded in Hansard include childcare, abortion, sex discrimination, affirmative action, sex work, pornography, and the perceived misogyny
of political opponents.