Australia’s women can expect to receive special treatment from this week’s Budget with the Minister for Women also Minister for Finance.
The dual Minister, Senator Katy Gallagher described women’s equality as being at the heart of what the Government does, saying it was essential for strengthening the Australian economy, society and nation.
“A core test of the fairness of this country is whether we are a gender equal country,” Senator Gallagher said.
“We will not achieve gender equality through a single budget, or single reform.
“Driving real change in the lives of women requires ongoing leadership and commitment. This Government will continue that work towards making Australia a more equal country.”
Senator Gallagher said funding at the 2023-24 Budget was designed to create a fairer go for Australian women
“This Budget has a particular focus on supporting women facing disadvantage, including single parents, and low-income workers across the care and support sector, including targeted and responsible cost of living relief for families to ease pressures on households,” Senator Gallagher said.
She said the Government was committed to valuing work in the care and support economy, where the majority of workers were women.
“Women cannot be equal and cannot reach their full potential if they are not safe,” she said.
“Violence against women and children is an urgent challenge in Australia, but we cannot accept it as inevitable. As a nation we can and should address the economic, social and cultural factors that underpin gender-based violence.”
Senator Gallagher said the funding in the Budget built on the Government’s record investment to end violence against women.
“And we have made record investments to get there through our first two Budgets,” she said.
The Minister said that as progress was made, the Government remained committed to listening, taking feedback and working with women across the country to make a real and positive difference in their lives.
Senator Gallagher’s full comments can be accessed as the Foreword in the 81-page Women’s Budget Statement at this PS News link.
