Read the transcript of Minister Thwaites' speech to the UnitingCare Australia Leaders' Forum.
She explains how some women become particularly vulnerable as they move into their later years.
Many have spent their lives earning less, caring for others and putting their own health last.
Women retire on average almost 4 years earlier than men, with around 25.2 per cent less superannuation than men, and are disproportionately reliant on social security.
She discusses what can be done to improve the situation for these women as they age.