'Let us look forward to a future where there is real equal opportunity for women, where women may realistically choose - and I emphasise choose, not "feel obliged" - to participate together with men in all walks of life, contributing talents for the benefit of all Australian society.'

Hazel Hawke

In her Press Club address Hazel Hawke welcomed the Sex Discrimination Bill of 1984 while suggesting that in the longer term it would be preferable if such legislation weren't necessary.

'Of course there's been much progress since grandma's day, it seems to me though that real flexibility and choice will only come when the whole of society is comfortable with the attitudinal change which is necessary, and until that occurs, some battles are won and some are lost, but the war continues.'

In a 1985 interview by Diana Warnock on Perth radio station 6PR, Hazel Hawke spoke with conviction about her feelings on the issue of opportunities and equality for women.

In 1988 on the day after the fourth anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act, Hazel Hawke, in an interview with Jane Singleton, reiterated the sentiment of that day:

'[You] can't change attitudes with legislation but can give them a kick along'.