Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called for a national women's summit to examine a multitude of inequalities faced by Australian women.
Ms Palaszczuk plans to write to Prime Minister Scott Morrison today, requesting him and other state leaders to back the proposal and support discussions on gender inequality.
The proposal comes amid recent damning allegations involving the treatment of women across the nation, including in Parliament House.
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The premier said she would like the proposal of a summit to be placed on Friday's National Cabinet agenda.
"Back in 2016, when I was, I think, the only woman on COAG (Council of Australian Governments), I actually asked back then the COAG leaders to support my proposal to have a national summit on the prevention of domestic and family violence," she said.
"This was really important. It was attended by the PM, all the leaders, key stakeholders.
"But I actually think the time is now right for our country to have a national women's summit."
The summit would delve into issues of economic and gender inequality, including the gender pay and superannuation gap and affordable childcare.
"Time and time again, my sisters have told me, and other members of the community, how expensive it is for childcare when you're working as well," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"These are really big issues in terms of women's equality."
Issues involving sexual harassment in the workplace were also "really important", she added.
The premier offered to host the summit in Queensland, or it could be held in Canberra.
"What we've seen over the last few months is a huge wave of support for women to have their voices heard," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Now is the time for women's voices throughout Australia to be heard.
"I honestly believe that if we are going to achieve equality in this country, now is the time."
Premier extends holiday invitation to Jacinda Ardern
Ms Palaszczuk extended a warm invitation to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to holiday in Queensland, following news of the trans-Tasman bubble.
The premier said she spoke to Ms Ardern yesterday and invited her to the sunshine state at the "earliest opportunity".
"Of course, good news about the bubble that's going to exist between New Zealand and Australia," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"I hope that her family does take up that opportunity."
The last time the Kiwi prime minister was in Queensland was in 2018 for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
"I know she does like holidaying here, I know she's got a very busy job but hopefully she can come here in the not too distant future," she said.
Queensland recorded six new cases of COVID-19 today, all of which were in hotel quarantine, continuing the state's streak of zero community cases.
