Inspiring women:
 Kate Ellis MP – Minister for the Status of Women
In 2004 Kate Ellis became the youngest woman ever elected to the Australian House of Representatives when she defeated the Liberal Party's Trish Worth to become the Member for Adelaide.
Following the re-election of the Gillard Labor Government in 2010, Kate became the Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care and the Minister for the Status of Women.
After her speaking engagement at the South Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in July, we caught up with Kate to chat about ambition, life’s hurdles and advice for women struggling to reach positions of leadership.
Where do you find inspiration? Who have been your role models?
I draw inspiration from the amazing community members I meet every day who are doing their best, getting great results and rely on Government to make life a little easier. I can’t claim any one single role model, but am constantly inspired by the amazing women who have worked hard and created the opportunities that I get to enjoy today.
What experiences are you really proud of? Highlights, achievements, celebrations?
I’m most proud that I’ve never compromised who I am. I think sometimes it can be easier to try and fit into the existing mould, but I’ve always been clear that we need to be ourselves to show that there is value in diversity.
Have you ever been mentored? Please elaborate.
I’ve never had a formal mentor but have learnt much from the experiences of others, particularly those who have blazed a trail for women in politics, and for women to be judged on their abilities and the way they conduct their work.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I think like many, particularly many women, I have struggled at times to find a work-life balance and juggle the competing needs of constant travel, work commitments and meeting my responsibilities to family and friends.
What advice would you offer other women who are struggling to reach positions of leadership?
My advice would be to have confidence in yourself and to always focus on what you seek to achieve and why you are trying to achieve it, not on the many who will try and stand in your way.
What do you look for in recognition for your achievements?
I look for the knowledge that I’ve used the opportunities afforded to me to bring about the changes we really need in our community.
How do you think women can support each other in their ambitions?
I think we should recognize that women can often be the harshest critics of each other; and we need to support each other and try and advance the cause of women more broadly than viewing each other as threats or competition and bringing each other down.
If you could meet any person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I never had the chance to meet my maternal grandmother who was by all reports a strong, energetic and opinionated woman who I’m sure I would have learned a lot from.
What are you reading at the moment? What’s the appeal of this book?
I am currently reading a massive stack of Government files. Sadly recreational reading has become a victim of my current workload, although I will admit that if I were on holidays I’d probably be reading some genuine trash!
Do you see yourself as a role model to other women?
I don’t know about being a role model, but I do hope that I can work hard and do a good job and make it easier for other young women to have their voices heard in public life.
Have you ever mentored/provided support to other women around leadership issues?
I’m always conscious of how fortunate I’ve been and the opportunities afforded to me, and try to repay that by supporting and encouraging other young women.
What has changed your life?
My life has been changed by having a remarkable and supportive family who have both encouraged me to take risks, but also been there to help pick up the pieces when it all goes wrong.
What challenges are on the horizon for you?
Reform is always hard, and we’ve got an ambitious agenda ahead when it comes to the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency to bring about meaningful change and support to advance women’s careers.
Is there a quote you stand by or rules of thumb you live by?
Make the most of every opportunity, live life to the fullest and don’t die wondering. ●
You can find out more about Kate Ellis MP:
Kate Ellis MP recently spoke at the South Australian Women's Leadership Symposium 2011 in Adelaide. For more information on the 2011 Symposiums, click here.
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