Statement from the Minister for the Status of Women

Kate Ellis has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that she will serve as Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care and as Minister for the Status of Women in the Gillard Labor Government.

“I am honoured and excited to be taking on these new roles, as well as having continued responsibility for child care,” Ms Ellis said.

“The important policy work required to get Australians into work as our country continues to recover from the global recession, is a responsibility I take very seriously.”

“I am also privileged to have the opportunity to build on the excellent work that Tanya Plibersek has begun in the Status of Women portfolio and to continue our Government’s ambitious reform agenda in child care.”

“Australia is known the world over as an outstanding sporting nation and as Minister for Sport I have been proud to deliver the biggest ever investment in sport in our nation’s history.”

“Our Government has also provided strong support for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Bid and recognised the central role sport plays in building a more healthy and active Australia through our record investment in community sporting infrastructure”.

“I would like to thank the Australian sporting community for their hard work and passionate advocacy for sport in our country.”

“In the reestablished youth portfolio I have thoroughly enjoyed working with some of our country’s outstanding young Australians, through the newly created the Australian Youth Forum.”

“The Government has also delivered the first ever National Strategy for Young Australians and taken action on the important issue of negative body image, which affects so many young people.”

“I would like to congratulate Minister Garrett and Minister Arbib on their new roles, which include responsibility for the youth and sport portfolios.”

“I am excited about the challenges that my new roles will bring and am looking forward to making a strong contribution to the Gillard Labor Government.”