On Monday, 7 March, the full College gathered in Centenary Hall for a very special assembly featuring Former Chief of Army and 2016 Australian of the Year, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO and Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick AO.

In a Q&A session chaired by Senior Prefect Jack Jacobs (12/FL), our special guests spoke about their commitment to gender equality by recounting their own stories on how they came to learn about sexism in Australia and how it permeates throughout society today.

While Ms Broderick outlined the many areas of work and home life where gender discrimination effects a woman’s quality of life and her access to equal opportunities, Mr Morrison spoke about the life-changing conversations he has had during his time as Chief of Army which led him to learn about about the enormous disadvantages women faced as a result of sexism in the Australian Army.

The message was loud and clear from both speakers – in order to combat Australia’s alarming Domestic Violence statistics, and to create safe spaces for women to work and socialise where they are valued equally with men, there is no greater need than for men and boys to take a stand. 

“We need great boys and men to step up beside us women, not speak up for us, but to step up and stand beside us”  – Elizabeth Broderick, AO.

Click here to watch Part 1 and 2 of the Q&A Session on SPACES.