Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Thanks to today’s partner FemTech
We’re following news involving two very different styles of leadership today.
The first, from Opposition leader Angus Taylor. He’s found $31 billion in budget savings, Elon-Musk-style. There are agencies to be axed, and housing affordability schemes and social housing to go. Women will pay the most for it.
The second leadership model involves Jacinda Ardern, who is joining Sydney University as a lecturer and mentor on empathetic leadership –- the thing she’s spent years arguing is a strength, just as “strongman” governments keep failing to deliver.
Elsewhere today, nine childcare reforms later we’re still seeing reports of horror stories in centres. Can we fix this broken system? Yes. But not by tinkering around the edges.
And ICYMI: these are the three easy-to-implement reforms that can help end pregnancy discrimination in Australia.
Call out! Has an AI companion found its way into your family? We’d like to hear your story, anonymously. Whether it involves you, a partner or another loved one. Please get in contact confidentially here.
Angela Priestley
Founding Editor & Publisher
The Key Quote
I've found myself especially focused on the question of leadership since leaving office, and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges
Jacinda Ardern
The former Prime Minister of New Zealand speaks on her appointment at the University of Sydney as a lecturer and mentor. The 46-year-old has been hired as a professor of practice with a focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust. In her role, Ms Ardern will explore new ways to address global health challenges, inclusion and wellbeing, as well as lead guest lectures and masterclasses.
On Women's Agenda Today
A cockatoo on an empty seat and a crossbench honouring Helen Haines. Parliament resumes
Helen Haines asked for kindness over hate. One week after a devastating attack on her, Zali Steggall, Monique Ryan and the crossbench gave it back to her in the chamber. Read more +
The Lucky Country is now the Hungry Country as food insecurity rises. Single parents are hit hardest
Foodbank Australia’s 2026 report finds one in three households face food insecurity, with single-parent families particularly affected. Read more +
Queensland’s new child safety and DV minister Amanda Stoker has a controversial record on women’s rights
Amanda Stoker has been appointed to replace Queensland’s outgoing child safety and domestic violence minister, Amanda Camm. Read more +
Jacinda Ardern joins Sydney University as lecturer and mentor on empathetic leadership
Jacinda Ardern has joined the University of Sydney as a Professor of Practice, with her work set to focus on empathetic leadership, social cohesion and civic trust. Read more +
Angus Taylor’s found $31 billion in ‘savings’ that women will pay the most for
He wants to “take the pressure off”. Just not off the women trying to buy a home or deal with the cost-of-living/fuel/climate crisis. Read more +
The Key Figure
82 million
The amount of passengers annually that Western Sydney Airport expects by the 2060s, due to its plan to grow with a changing population, and its “Design to serve future generations”, according to the NSW Government. The new airport opened to public flights on Sunday, with the first domestic flight setting off to the Gold Coast on a Jetstar plane, and the first international flight an Air New Zealand flight to Auckland.
The win
Twelve-year-old Blake Mackenzie, a year six student from Newcastle, has won this year’s youth prize at the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam competition
His 90-second poem called ‘Dear ChatGPT’ summed up many of the horrors of growing up in the age of AI, with lines such as “You’re designed to addict us and never contradict us” and “Your friendship is endless so why do I feel friendless?” While he doesn’t know any other kids his age who enjoy spoken word poetry, he thinks it is a good way to raise issues that affect him. “I try to talk about things that affect people my age,” he said. “I feel really proud of it. I could not be more happy with it.”
On The Women's Agenda Podcast
Check out our weekly podcast
We unpack the week that was, inspired by the grace and dignity of Dr Helen Haines, her husband Phil Haines and Governor-General Sam Mostyn. Plus, our conversation with Dr Kayla Steele, a Clinical Psychologist for UNSW at the Black Dog Institute, and why "overwhelm" describes much of the mood of women in Australia. Kayla discusses the value of movement, connection, and friendship on mental health, and also why the Black Dog Institute and UNSW are studying the impact of IVF on mental health.
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