I was invited to join a few women to Canberra for a meeting with the Hon Kate Ellis, Minister for the Status of Women. The aim of the meeting was to discuss how we as part of The Womens' Investment Club could help empower women in the areas of wealth and finance.
We unfortunately arrived late for our meeting with the Minister due to the Carbon Tax Rally outside Parliament House which caused road closures thereby making us go round and round to find a parking spot. We were however fortunate in the sense that Julie Owens, MP's advisor was escorting us through the various buildings.
After signing in, he led the five of us through the myriad of passages and stairs to get to the Minister's office. As we were walking towards her office, Kate Ellis happened to pass by on her way to a Parliamentary sitting which started earlier. Meena Wahi, the founder of The Women's Investment Club managed to say a few words to her about our intended meeting and what her aim was. Kate Ellis then suggested we speak to her advisor to arrange a follow up meeting.
Not going to be deterred, we went into her office to see if we could arrange an alternate time. We then managed to spend some time with her policy advisor, Amy. Amy told us that currently about 60% of women are going into retirement without much savings. I thought this was sad... but there is much we can do and contribute. We came out feeling that all was not lost but we had achieved a little something... Also, the Minister for the Status for Women seeks to improve the status of women as well as to increase the participation of women in the workforce... I think this is by no means a small portfolio for someone who is only 24 years old!
The corridors exuded a feeling of power and one could imagine the brokering that was going round the rooms when Julia Gillard was planning to overthrow Kevin Rudd... hmm...
Meandering through the corridors, it was like we were in a scene from the drama the "West Wing". There were a couple of buildings and one would need to get up to the right floor to interconnect to the other building. Amidst all the power mongering and brokering, there was a sense of tranquility in the garden settings surrounding the buildings. Walking through the MPs offices, one could also sense their "humour" about current issues facing the government such as the photo with the two bottles of wines.
Anyway, it was a great day and very memorable to have been able to get an inside view into Parliament House. Thanks Meena for extending the invitation and including us!
The corridor leading to press conferences
"in case of emergency BREAK GLASS"
Our Democracy is Dead... part of the rally