We urge the next Government to be bold and to continue to progress the gender reforms initiated by the 47th Parliament.
NFAW has examined the policy areas that are of most relevance to the economic wellbeing of women, and our analysis shows that the Albanese Government has placed gender reform at the core of its decision making, improving the lives of many women.
The heart of those reforms has been in the machinery of government: ensuring that policy decisions include analysis of the effects on women; revitalising the Women’s Budget; and strengthening the role of WGEA.
The changes to the Fair Work Act and the implementation of Gender Panels; higher wages in the care sector, a highly feminised workforce; the extension of childcare and progressing aged care reforms will all benefit women.
There are still policy areas that need attention. Climate change is real, and women bear the burden of disaster recovery; and women receiving Jobseeker and other welfare payments are living in poverty.
Affordable housing, whether as a homeowner or renter, is a matter of urgency. We urge the incoming Government to accelerate programs that have been commenced – not change course.
We are facing geo-political uncertainty. The incoming government could see this as a sign to apply the brakes on programs that address inequality.
We call on the incoming government to be bold and continue to invest in programs that reduce gender and intergenerational inequality.
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| Professor Helen Hodgson Chair Social Policy Committee |
Marie Coleman AO PSM Advisor to Social Policy Committee |