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 

Gender equality is central to our wellbeing, the performance of our State’s economy and the safety of our society. As much as gender equality is about creating a fairer future for women and girls, it benefits everyone in our community.

Over the past year, many precious lives have been tragically cut short by domestic and family violence. We cannot have an equal society until women and children are safe in public spaces and in their homes.

We are steadfast in our commitment to caring for and building better communities. This can only happen if everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of their gender. 

The Gender Equality Budget Statement speaks to the progress we are making in moving towards gender equality in NSW. It also sets out our future plans.

In the past year, we have seen progress on narrowing the gap between economic outcomes for women and men. Women’s labour force participation continues to rise, and the NSW gender pay gap is the lowest on record.

However, barriers persist for women to achieve equal opportunities and safety in workplaces. This Budget supports women to obtain more secure jobs, skills in priority sectors and backs our essential female dominated workforces.

This Budget is investing in a comprehensive package of reforms to address both the impacts of gender-based violence and to take preventive action for the future. This includes targeted initiatives to support women and families to remain safe in their homes after leaving violent relationships.

Many women are increasingly facing the risk of homelessness due to the housing crisis. This Budget is committed to building better communities by tackling inequality across multiple domains of the housing crisis including rental affordability, social housing and key worker housing.

This Gender Equality Budget Statement showcases our commitment to gender responsive budgeting. By applying a gender lens to decision-making and the budgetary process, we ensure policy and programs are designed to meet the needs of everyone across NSW.

Progress to achieve gender equality is not the work of a single budget. We will continue to invest in policies and initiatives that ensure that all people regardless of gender live and work in a safe and fair society where they are treated with respect and dignity.