Siobhan Austen – The Conversation

Jeremy Dorrough/Upshot

September 29, 2020

Each budget used to have a gender impact statement. We need it back

Rhonda Sharp, University of South Australia; Monica Costa, Curtin University, and Siobhan Austen, Curtin University

For 30 years we had such a statement, until the Abbott-Hockey budget of 2014.

Less diverse investments mean women often have less in retirement. Dave Hunt/AAP

May 29, 2017

Women rely on the family home to support them in old age

Rachel Ong ViforJ, Curtin University and Siobhan Austen, Curtin University

On top of a gender wealth gap, Australian women have less diversified investment portfolios than men. This leads to bigger risks and reduced resources in retirement.

False assumptions about the “average worker” impacts on decisions about childcare, paid parental leave and aged care funding. Flickr/Ian

May 12, 2016

Why neither party should ignore gender in this election

Siobhan Austen, Curtin University; Rhonda Sharp, University of South Australia, and Therese Jefferson, Curtin University

False economic assumptions beset the federal budget and that should worry both political parties.

The work of Douglass North, who died last week, continues to inspire studies of economic history. UNU-WIDER/Flickr

November 30, 2015

Nobel Laureate Douglass North’s work leaves a strong legacy for economics

Siobhan Austen, Curtin University and Darren O'Connell, Curtin University

North’s work and life should be celebrated as it continues to inspire studies of economic history.

The B20, charged with representing the interests of the wealthy international business community, has low female representation. Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet/Flickr

November 16, 2014

The other gender equality gap Australia needs to talk about

Siobhan Austen, Curtin University; Rachel Ong ViforJ, Curtin University; Sherry Bawa, Curtin University, and Therese Jefferson, Curtin University

The G20 leaders have committed to reduce the gap between male and female workforce participation rates by 25% by 2025. The gender equality focus by many of the leaders during the summit, including UN Secretry-General…

Nursing homes, and the people who care for the elderly, would benefit if there was less of a taboo around talking about dirty business. AAP/Alan Porritt

November 24, 2013

We need to talk about dirty work, and what it’s worth

Siobhan Austen, Curtin University; Rhonda Sharp, University of South Australia, and Therese Jefferson, Curtin University

A recent survey found 73% of aged care workers in Australia did dirty work, coming into contact with bodily products. These products that are normal – we all poo and bleed – but taboos surrounding dirty…

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