WLAQ hosts The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP

Since being appointed Secretary of Women Lawyers Association of Queensland in July 2014, I have been fortunate enough to attend and host a number of events.  The most recent event was the inaugural WLAQ Inter-Professional Networking Evening, where we hosted over 110 WLAQ members and their guests.

I was working with a fabulous sub-committee of Tamlyn Mills and Bridget Handley and the support we received from a number of Queensland businesses was amazing.  My good girlfriend Laura Chong, of The 400co dressed us all in the Mater Chicks in Pink dress, The Collection by M provided personalised chocolates and we all drank Ballandean Estate wine while eating food catered by Sage Catering.  And the venue, Wesley House kindly organised by The College of Law Queensland.  Pictures from the night can be found on the WLAQ Facebook Page.

Andre Cois Photography

The theme of our night was "make it happen", which was the 2015 International Women's Day theme.

The highlight of my night was being able to speak in front of my peers and close friends and to introduce our keynote speaker, The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP.  A copy of my speech for the night is below.

I stand by what I say.  Collaboration is what it will take to address issues of gender diversity in the legal profession.

Let's make it happen.

Introduction by Cassandra Heilbronn for Minister Fentiman MP

Good Evening.

Internationally, March is dedicated to the celebration of events relating to women in history and contemporary society.  As Tamlyn highlighted, 2015 is the year of making it happen and where effective action for advancing and recognising women is encouraged.

Gone are the days where women focussed celebrations were held for political favour.  In its place, recognition of issues professional and corporate women face as they work towards challenging the status quo by not adhering to traditional, and well worn, rules and expectations of women in the workplace. 

Women no long simply accept "good enough".  We have tasted success, and with ambition we build and capitalise on the foundations laid by our predecessors.  Through our recently endorsed Strategic Plan, WLAQ has committed to providing an avenue, and to be a catalyst, for change for women in the legal profession.  Tonight, we are doing just that as we are joined by our peers from other professions as we enjoy a glass of wine and share stories.  Collaboration.   That is how we will achieve equality and diversity in the legal profession.

We have an advantage over our founding members.  Men are alive to the issues impeding the progression of women and accept that change is required.  I personally believe this change will come through the next generation of leaders, through my generation.  My male peers accept me as an equal, they frankly admit to having professional role models such as The Honourable Justice McMurdo AC and are familiar with females taking on the historically traditional role of provider, or "breadwinner".  Subconscious bias has not been inherited. 

It is incumbent upon us all to selflessly work together, because we must continue to build on the success of the dedicated women before us and make it happen.

In recognition of a woman who recently made it happen, we have invited The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Child Safety and Multicultural Affairs to be our keynote speaker for this evening and share her thoughts on "making it happen" for professional and corporate women.

Minister Fentiman holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from QUT and recently completed her Master of Laws at Melbourne University.  She was admitted as a legal practitioner in 2007.

Prior to her election to the Queensland Parliament as the member for Waterford, she worked as a solicitor at Hall Payne Lawyers and has considerable experience in employment law, having previously worked as an industrial advocate for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.  She also worked as a Judge's Associate in the Supreme Court of Queensland to her Honour Justice Atkinson.

We thank Minister Fentiman for making time to attend during the Parliamentary dinner break and speak to us tonight.

Please welcome, Minister Fentiman.