The Greens today welcomed Deputy Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek's comments that she wants to see the GST on menstrual hygiene products scrapped and called on Labor and the Coalition to support parliamentary action to axe the 'tampon tax'.

"The Greens are drafting a bill to fix this unfair and discriminatory tax, and we need Labor to get on board and support it," said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for women.

"Tampons, pads and sanitary items aren't an optional luxury, so they shouldn't attract GST."

Today’s release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s report on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence demonstrates Australia continues to be in the grip of a domestic violence epidemic, and the Greens have called on the Turnbull government to take national leadership and provide the level of resources needed to tackle this crisis.

“This staggering report paints a distressing picture of domestic violence and family violence in this country,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens spokesperson for women.

The Senate has today passed a Greens motion calling on the government to ensure safe, surgical abortions are available in public hospitals across the country.

“I’m glad this motion passed. It’s 2018. Women should have access to reproductive health services including surgical abortions in our public health system, no matter which state they live in, no matter whether they live in a city, or rural or regional area,” said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for women.

Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale has urged the crossbench to put working mums first in their negotiations with the Government on paid parental leave.

“Let’s be clear. Delaying the start date to save women who are currently pregnant does not make up for the fact that these changes, whenever passed, will hurt parents.

“Delaying the effect of the Bill by a year isn’t the same as standing up for women’s rights in the workplace and members of the crossbench cannot walk both sides of this issue.

Evidence today to the Senate Education and Employment Committee from academic experts about the gender pay gap has revealed a concerning trend that some employers are using “pay gag clauses” against women challenge unequal pay.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson on women, Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Evidence today from witnesses suggested that ‘pay gag clauses’ are being enforced by 50 – 90% of private sector organisations according to forthcoming studies.