2018-19 Budget: Improving the lives of Australian women

Australian women make extraordinary contributions every day. We contribute to our families and communities, our workplaces and our nation. The Government understands this and is determined to support women through every stage of life by pursuing practical changes to support opportunity and choice.

The 2018-19 Budget includes a range of initiatives focused on women’s:

• economic capability and leadership
• safety
• health and wellbeing

Central to this is women’s economic security. The Government is committed to improving women’s economic capability and leadership, providing more meaningful life choices for women in all circumstances.

Underpinning women’s economic security, and that of their families and loved ones, is the ability to access work. That is why it is so pleasing that women are now employed in record numbers, taking up the majority of new jobs created in the last 12 months.

The Government remains focused on improving opportunity and choice with measures that: support women to pursue diverse careers; support women to lead, expand or learn new skills to participate in the economy; encourage flexible work arrangements; and improve financial security both now and into retirement.

To this end, as Minister for Women, I will deliver a Women’s Economic Security Statement in Spring 2018.

The Government is strengthening its commitment to keep women safe at home, online and at work. This year’s Budget commits further funding to boost frontline services, help protect women online and combat elder abuse.

Finally, the Government is making critical investments in women’s health and wellbeing. Australia’s more than 12 million women continue to benefit from the Government’s record investment in health care, which is expected to increase from $78.8 billion in 2018-19 to $85 billion in 2021-22. By providing even greater support in this Budget the Government will deliver improved outcomes for the specific health needs of women at every stage of life.

This Budget is delivering practical measures that will improve the lives of Australian women. I am confident that with the commitment and determination of the Government, Australian women will continue to make impressive strides — and an even greater contribution — to Australia in the years ahead.