Women in Super is an organisation that represents almost 5000 women nationally. Although our primary purpose is to tackle glaring inequality in the form of the gender super gap, this cannot be achieved without also facing the most significant inequality that exists in Australia today.
Traditionally the Women in Super National Road Show tours a single speaker around the country, allowing all of our to members receive the same experience and access to the important topics that are front-of-mind for our industry. This year, with so much discussion around the upcoming referendum, and Women in Super’s decision to support a ‘Yes’ vote, we thought it would be more appropriate to seek local First Nations women to share their stories – as well as some sobering statistics – to give our members and guests an opportunity to engage with the Voice referendum and hear perspectives on the Voice from many different places, professions, and organisations.
Around the country we were confronted with some horrifying statistics around how the super system as it currently stands does not work for our First Nations people. Despite a range of laws, policies and programs that have been introduced, the gap is simply not closing, and we are wasting money in the process.
As we, as an industry, acknowledge and campaign to adjust the system to support women's differing work patterns and social experiences, we need to extend this lens to also ensure the superannuation system - and all systems - will effectively support Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people. Following decades of failed policy, we have a chance for unity that many did not think was possible. It is a chance to change the status quo and provide support to First Nations people.
We recognise that there are many Australians who have not yet decided what their vote will be in this defining moment for Australia, for a myriad reasons. Our speakers didn’t want to shy away from these difficult conversations, and instead provide some context and clarity for attendees to take away and continue these conversations in their own circles.
A yes result in the Voice referendum will set Australia on a fairer path for First Nations people, and begin the journey outlined in the Uluru statement to heal the soul of our nation. The Referendum is a chance to do something that is once in a lifetime, and it is important that we put aside the politics and vote for justice.
We are grateful for the generosity shown by the First Nations women who agreed not just to speak at our National Road Show, but to be open to sharing their stories and answering questions that often have a personal impact. We acknowledge the significant burden that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples carry as they educate our communities, and remind you that it is important to keep having conversations - even when they are difficult - and remember that there is a strength in differences of opinion.
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