Media Release: A Disappointing Gender Equality Budget of Diminishing Returns

"We know there is no silver bullet on gender equality; real change requires policy reforms across a range of areas.

After more than a decade of neglect, the Albanese Government spent its first years in office addressing some of the most neglected areas of gender equality. And it has paid off. Australia is now ranked 13th in the Global Gender Gap Index, up from a dismal ranking of 50th in 2021. This is to be congratulated.

However, this Budget fails to build on that momentum. It feels like the investments are diminishing and the progress, as a result will likely slow. This is a disappointing Budget from a government that has so far shown that it can make real progress.

There are a few points of light in this Budget:

• $182.6 million invested to make the Child Support system safer.
• $218.3 million for the First Nations-led national strategy to end violence, Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices.
• $59.4 million over 4 years to supplement rental income for housing providers supporting young people.
• $5.4 to help address technology facilitated abuse and legislate the digital duty of care.

But there is so much more to do.