Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May was sworn into Parliament today taking on the portfolios of Science, Industry and Innovation, and Early Childhood Education and Care.
As stated by Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May:
"All my life experiences have led me here.
"Facing fire and drought growing up on our family farm in regional Victoria. Seeing the impacts of unjust policies on people like my partner, a refugee who fled a warzone. Feeling the pressures of daily life as a working mum of young children.
"I am honoured to continue the incredibly important work of our party and movement.
"As a working parent, I know the challenges of juggling a career with kids. I'm deeply grateful for the important work of early childhood educators.
"One of my biggest priorities as the newest Greens Senator is to fight for free early childhood education and care for everyone across Australia.
"In this cost of living crisis, early childhood education and care is too expensive and too hard to access. As a result, women are missing out on paid work and they're being left behind because they can't afford care for their children.
"Childcare is an essential public service just like school, and for children, the early years are the most important in their development. It removes barriers that limit choices for women, boosts women's capacity to engage in paid work and relieves financial pressures in a cost of living crisis.
"I also recognise that my ability to do this work is only possible because of the wonderful work of educators, and every day I'll be fighting to ensure that their critical role in our education system is recognised and that they get the pay that they deserve.
"There has never been a more important time for the Greens to continue to work with our communities to prioritise people over corporations."
