Friday, October 16, 2026
Thanks to today’s partner
Tafe Queensland
Karl Stefanovic’s had an awakening.
That’s how Pauline Hanson described the former Nine presenter’s very public and chaotic shift to the alt-right, while sitting on a panel he moderated at last weekend’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
But what do these political awakenings of rich, white men with platform do to serve us? Anyone heard a solution coming out of Dave Hughes or Karl’s mouths recently? I’m still waiting for even the slightest glimmer of something worthwhile.
But while we’re waiting, the rest of us have bills to pay.
In real politics/policy action, MP Zaneta Mascarenhas shares how the government is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of domestic abuse are never entitled to inherit their victim’s superannuation.
Elsewhere, Rita Nasr reflects on that SNL monologue by obvious man-whore Shane Gillis. Women’s bodies policed? Can we get some new material already?
In business, we share this account from entrepreneur Jayne Burney, who, navigating the cancer diagnoses of four women in her life at the same time, decided to build a business that would genuinely help loved ones show up.
And congratulations, Matti Clements who’s been reappointed as the Director of the Australian Institute of Sport for a further three years, to bring stable leadership as Australia moves closer to hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Have a great weekend! We’ll see you Monday.
Tarla Lambert-Patel
Editor in Chief & Co-Founder
The Key Quote
We are aware of multiple women who have taken up roles or volunteered in the party, who because of these allegations, have been warned not to … be alone with him.
Seven Greens party members
A group of Greens party members have sent a letter to Greens leader David Shoebridge this week, alleging Senator Jordan Steele-John had engaged in concerning behaviour in the presence of women. The Senator has denied the allegations.
On Women's Agenda Today
Russell Brand labelled a ‘ruthless, calculated sexual predator’ as trial begins
The Crown Prosecutor has described Russell Brand as a “ruthless, calculated and manipulative sexual predator” in her opening address at his trial on rape and sexual assault charges. Read more +
When four women she loved were diagnosed with cancer in a month, Jayne Burney began to rethink how we show up for each other
Four cancer diagnoses in one month left Jayne Burney asking how we can better support loved ones when we can’t be there. Read more +
Molly’s abuser inherited her super after her death. The government is moving to close the loophole
The government has backed 58 recommendations to address financial abuse, including changes to stop perpetrators inheriting victims’ super. Read more +
Australia’s aged care system leans on 2.43 million people — mostly women — it has never counted
This week Vera and YouGov published the first national count of the Australians caring for an ageing parent. There are 2.43 million of them. Read more +
Matti Clements reappointed Director of Australian Institute of Sport ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympics
Matti Clements has been reappointed as the Director of the Australian Institute of Sport for a further three years. Read more +
The Key Figure
2.43 million
The number of Australians caring for an ageing parent, according to a new national survey by Vera and YouGov.
The win
Bernice Barry wins $100,000 ARA Historical Novel Prize
Australian author Bernice Barry has won the $100,000 ARA Historical Novel Prize for her book The Names of a Hare, about a woman being pursued by a witch-hunter in the 17th century. The award is one of Australia’s richest literary prizes.
On The Women's Agenda Podcast
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