Working across government to champion opportunities for women

In the 4 years since the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018–2022 was released, there has been significant action by the NSW Government and the broader community in advancing women’s economic opportunities and social equality.

The NSW Women’s Strategy 2023–2026 identifies priorities for women across NSW, and the response represents a huge effort across NSW Government agencies. The Strategy recognises the important work happening and establishes a whole-of-government approach to improving outcomes for women and girls in NSW. Women NSW, in The Cabinet Office, is responsible for overseeing implementation of the Strategy.

The NSW Government’s commitment towards better outcomes for women and girls

The NSW Women’s Strategy 2023–2026 complements and strengthens the NSW Government’s existing actions to advance women’s economic opportunities and social equality, and end violence against women and girls. Key commitments in these areas are set out in the Women’s Opportunity Statement, the draft NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022–2027, the draft NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022– 2027, and the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2018–2023.

Alongside the NSW Government’s existing reform priorities, the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023–2026 will embed a commitment to pursuing gender equality, recognising the importance of challenging gendered norms, roles and expectations that may limit women’s opportunities.

Women's Opportunity Statement

The NSW Government is investing $16.5 billion over 10 years to improve women’s opportunities and child development. Key priorities include:

• increasing women’s workforce participation
• improving the experience of women in the workforce
• supporting women in small business and entrepreneurs
• supporting and raising awareness of women’s health needs
• promoting respect for women and women’s financial security.

Coordinating agency – NSW Treasury

NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022–2027 and NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022–2027 (currently in draft format)

The NSW Government is investing $262.7 million in 2022–23 for programs to:

• prevent domestic, family and sexual violence
• reduce reoffending
• support victim safety.

A key priority for the NSW Government is working with the Commonwealth Government to implement the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

The NSW Government's plans to address domestic and family violence and sexual violence are currently under development. These are intended to align with the National Plan and will strengthen prevention and responses for women in NSW.

The plans will continue evidence-based early intervention, victim support and perpetrator interventions, including $484.3 million over 4 years from 2021–22 for housing and related supports for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.

Lead agency – NSW Department of Communities and Justice

NSW Homelessness Strategy 2018–2023

The NSW Government is investing $141.4 million over 5 years to prevent and improve the way we respond to homelessness, including:

• targeted support to prevent homelessness or intervene early to reduce its longer-term impact
• tailored, flexible support
• an integrated person-centred service system.

Lead agency – NSW Department of Communities and Justice

The NSW Women’s Strategy 2023–2026 also works alongside other NSW strategies to deliver outcomes for women across all domains, including:

• NSW Women’s Health Framework
• Future Health Guiding the next decade of care in NSW 2022–2032
• NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022–2027
• Her Sport Her Way 2019–2023
• Housing 2041: NSW Housing Strategy
• Multicultural NSW Strategic Plan
• NSW Carers Strategy: Caring in NSW 2020–2030
• Ageing well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031
• NSW Disability Inclusion Plan 2021–2025
• Women in Trades Strategy – Trade Pathways Program 2021–2024
• NSW Social Impact Investment Policy 2.0: Growing our impact
• NSW Veteran’s Strategy 2021–2024
• NSW Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders 2021–25
• NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2022–2024
• Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW

A partnership approach

The Strategy will deliver progress for women by using the levers available to the NSW Government, through direct policy, program and actions, and by engaging with our partners. These partners include:

• the Commonwealth Government, which delivers policies and programs at the national level to advance gender equality and improve the lives of Australian women. Key focus areas include strengthening women’s economic security and workforce participation and the safety of women and girls from violence. The Commonwealth Government also supports Australia’s international work on gender equality
• local governments across NSW, which represent women, deliver services to local women, and play a critical role in cohesive and resilient communities
• employers and businesses, which drive reform, opportunities and progress for women in workplaces
• not-for-profit and service providers, which are at the forefront of engaging with women and supporting women to achieve better outcomes.

Working with these partners gives us an opportunity to increase gender equality for women in NSW, beyond the direct influence of the NSW Government. The NSW Government will continue to advocate and engage with the Commonwealth Government in relation to critical areas it has influence over, such as superannuation, employment legislation, income support, primary health, veterans affairs and higher education.