Creating a gender equal society for a stronger economy

Tuesday, 19 September 2023

The Minns Labor Government’s first Budget lays a foundation for a better and more secure future for women and girls in NSW. By removing barriers that prevent women from realising their full potential we are paving the way for a more resilient economy.

We cannot take a siloed approach to address the various challenges women in NSW face.

The 2023-24 Budget takes a holistic view – from creating economic opportunities through participation and empowerment, to providing essential healthcare and appropriate support services.

Women’s health and wellbeing:

The NSW Government is increasing women’s access to healthcare with over $100 million to support new essential services including:

• $18.6 million for 29 new and eight existing McGrath Foundation breast cancer nurses.
• $34.3 million boost in support for 20 Women’s Health Centres providing health and mental health services for women.
• $52.7 million for 48 new Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and medical and forensic officers to fill critical gaps in healthcare services for victims of sexual assaults across New South Wales.

Responding to family and domestic violence:

• $13 million to expand access to the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper trial to include domestic and family violence victim-survivors.
• Continued provision of free ambulance services for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence or child abuse.
• Private Rental assistance through Rent Choice, Advance Rent, Bond Loan and other programs to help eligible persons, including those escaping domestic violence, set up and maintain a tenancy in the private rental market.
• $4.4 million over three years, to establish a new specialist multicultural domestic and family violence centre in southwest Sydney which will be able to help over 4,000 refugee and migrant women a year access services that are culturally responsive. To ensure sustainable results, the centre will also work with multicultural communities on primary prevention.

Improving gender equality:

• $13.8 million to improve Women’s participation and empowerment in the workforce through a Working Women’s Centre and a Future Women’s Jobs Academy.
• $30 million for the Level the Playing Field Facilities Fund for new and upgraded facilities to empower women to participate in sport.

The Minns Labor Government is the first government in NSW with a Cabinet comprised of 50 per cent women.

In addition to these commitments, the Budget has also delivered major commitments for female dominated sectors like health and early childhood education and care programs that support gender equality outcomes.

The Minns Labor Government is setting out a long-term plan to repair the budget so we can deliver essential services for women and progress gender equality across our State.