Friday, October 2, 2026
Thanks to today’s partner Belvoir St Theatre
When Senator Sue Lines shared a photo capturing the milestone of five women leading the Senate, hundreds of keyboard warriors came to ask various versions of that one, predictable question: but does she actually deserve to be there?
Why doesn’t anyone ask if he deserves to be there? Those prime ministers, those presidents, those dictators – funny how we never ask for credentials of his merit. Check out some of the actual responses to a simple photo that aimed to note the strengths of women’s leadership in parliament and instead led to questions of merit.
Meanwhile, a disappointed Sarah Hanson-Young has opened up about the “brutal” nature of politics, while wishing the new Greens leader, David Shoebridge, well.
With new NDIS rules beginning this week, mum of 4 including two teenagers with moderate intellectual disabilities, Katie Rodwell, shares how her children will always need her – but they shouldn’t need her to be their entire world.
This weekend’s NRL grand final will be flooded with alcohol and gambling ads, with the number of alcohol sponsors of AFL and NRL free-to-air broadcasting partnerships increasing from 2025 to 2026. Dr Aimee Brownbill writes that there are solutions available.
And much more on site that you may have missed this week! Check out our latest stories here.
We’ll be back in your inboxes on Tuesday, with our team taking the long weekend.
Angela Priestley
Founding Editor & Publisher
The Key Quote
God, politics can be brutal. Friendships made and lost… but it takes all types. We all care so deeply about the future of this country and the future of the planet.
Sarah Hanson-Young
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has wished new Greens leader David Shoebridge good luck, while also revealing the “brutal” nature of party politics.
On Women's Agenda Today
My children will always need me. They shouldn’t need me to be their entire world
NDIS cuts could leave parents carrying more responsibility while limiting opportunities for children with disability to build independence. Read more +
The NRL grand final will be flooded with alcohol ads. It doesn’t have to be this way
Footy finals season is here. It brings the grim reality of codes deeply intertwined with alcohol advertising. Read more +
Five women in a Senate photo, hundreds of comments, and one question men are rarely asked
Women in leadership are still questioned on merit, despite women gaining more power and achieving historic milestones across politics. Read more +
Sarah Hanson-Young says politics is ‘brutal’ after Greens elect new leader
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has wished new Greens leader David Shoebridge good luck, while also revealing the “brutal” nature of party politics. Read more +
ICYMI: Where’s the career map? Why ambitious women are struggling to see what comes next
Women’s ambition isn’t translating into clear career pathways, and it’s an issue that should be concerning employers across the country. Read more +
The Key Figure
390,000
The number of women who were screened for breast cancer through BreastScreen NSW in the past year, the highest 12-month period on record.
The win
Women tennis players to receive equal prize money at combined WTA 1000 events
Men and women will receive equal prize money at all combined 1,000 events from next year, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced. These events are considered the highest level of competition outside of the Grand Slams.
On The Women's Agenda Podcast
Check out our weekly podcast
We chat through the key stories shaping Women's Agenda. From the leaders doing the right (and wrong things), to the policymakers shaping the future for women, and the breakthrough moments making a difference and more. This is business, leadership, politics, health and climate from a woman's perspective.
Trending On Women's Agenda
———