Women’s marches are demanding change at Parliament House and across the country — here’s what they want

After a month of accusations that Parliament House harbours a toxic workplace in which women are not protected, black-clad protesters will today descend on the nation’s capital to send a message that “enough is enough”.

It comes on the first day of parliamentary sittings since the scandal-plagued fortnight in which allegations about the culture in the building were raised.

The national day of action will also see marches held across the country, with women and their supporters uniting to stand against sexism in broader society.

What’s happening?

The protests are being organised by Melbourne academic Janine Hendry, who initially outlined her hopes for “extremely disgruntled women” to link arms and form a human chain around Parliament House in Canberra.

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Today is the first day of parliamentary sittings since late February, when Parliament was engulfed by an allegation made by Brittany Higgins that she was raped inside the office of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds.

Separately, Attorney-General Christian Porter has emphatically denied a historical rape allegation going back more than 30 years and is currently on mental health leave.

Organisers hope the Canberra march will see thousands of protesters take to the lawns of Parliament House, but protests will also be held in all major cities and dozens of regional locations.

An event was held in Perth yesterday, attracting thousands of women and their supporters.

A march in Perth yesterday attracted thousands of people.(

ABC News: Briana Shepherd

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Protest leaders have also been offered private audiences with both Minister for Women Marise Payne and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

However, organisers want politicians to attend the Parliament House march and listen to its message in person.

“We have already come to the front door, now it’s up to the government to cross the threshold and come to us,” Ms Hendry said.

“We will not be meeting behind closed doors.

“More than 100,000 women and allies from every walk of life are standing up to speak. How could meeting with just three women be enough?”

Will it be COVID-safe?

The main event in Canberra has been approved by ACT Health authorities, though concessions have been made to ensure the protests are in accordance with the rules there.

Organisers initially wanted to encircle Parliament House in Canberra.(

ABC News: Jenny Magee

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While the initial plan was to form a human ring around Parliament, that plan had to be ditched for safety reasons.

“Due to COVID restrictions, we can’t do this but we will still be making an impact,” Ms Hendry said.

Anyone attending the main march will be required to check in with the ACT’s Check In CBR app, and hand sanitiser will be available at the event.

What do the protesters want?

The march on Parliament House will culminate in organisers delivering a petition calling for a range of actions including:

At least one of the protesters’ demands has already been met, with Scott Morrison last week announcing that sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins would conduct a review into the workplace culture at Parliament House.

At the time, Mr Morrison acknowledged the culture in Parliament had to change.

Sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins is reviewing the workplace culture at Parliament House.(

AAP: David Moir

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“The Parliament of Australia should set the example for others to follow,” he said.

“The Parliament of Australia should reflect best practice in the prevention of, and response to, any instances of bullying, sexual harassment, or sexual assault.”

Ms Hendry said she believed the marches, which she labelled apolitical, would ensure that lasting change.

“Women who have never marched before are joining us in action. Women who have been marching all their lives are still here,” Ms Hendry said.

“There are people from every political party and no political party.”