It's just possible that Michaelia Cash is the worst minister for women Australia has had. And that's saying something because her predecessor was former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and he was useless. But he did talk the talk, if not walk the walk.

Women's advocates say Senator Cash may be in cabinet but she's out of touch with her constituency, the women of Australia. This week's news she cancelled a planned meeting with the states – the one chance she had this year to talk domestic violence leave with all the industrial relations ministers – may have been the last straw.

Fiona McCormack, CEO of Domestic Violence Victoria, was devastated to hear the senator was recommending the meeting be cancelled.

"We are hoping she changes her mind, given the unprecedented opportunity we have to engage with businesses across Australia that are already indicating their interest and will to address family violence," she said.