Foreword

Left: The Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC
NSW Treasurer

Right: The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP 
Minister for Women
Minister for Seniors
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 

A society where everyone is treated equally and has access to the same opportunities is better for individuals and our overall social and economic outcomes. The task of improving gender equality is one this Budget takes up across its programs.

This Gender Equality Budget Statement is the first step towards a broader set of wellbeing and performance measures. It lays the foundation for a better and more secure future for women and girls in New South Wales. By removing barriers that prevent women from realising their full potential we are paving the way for a happier and healthier society and a more resilient economy. 

For the first time in NSW history, the NSW Cabinet is 50 per cent women. This Government believes that gender balance in the workplace leads to better outcomes, diversity of perspectives and a more representative Government.

Making sure women are empowered to participate in the workforce is fundamental to their independence. Our Budget supports women to gain more secure and sustainable employment to determine their own futures.

We want to ensure that women feel safe in society. Whether it is about safe spaces or helping them escape from domestic and family violence, this Budget delivers initiatives that support the safety and wellbeing of women.  

As at June 2022, the gender pay gap in median remuneration between men and women in the public sector was 4.5 per cent. Increasing the number of women in leadership positions is critical to closing the gender pay gap.

We have abolished the public sector wages cap, delivering the largest public sector pay increase in over a decade that will support more than 400,000 workers, of which 66.3 per cent are women. Our investments will improve pay and conditions in female-dominated essential workforces like nursing, teaching and community services.

In order for women to thrive, we are making important investments in women’s health. We know women experiencing domestic and family violence, from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and in regional and remote locations experience barriers to accessing quality healthcare. This Budget addresses these significant service gaps.

There is a long way to go to achieve gender equality across our State, but our ambition and plan of action, from the gender-equal Cabinet to the measures in this Budget, will help us take huge strides in that journey.