Helping women overcome challenges, on the way to economic security and decent jobs, is a focus of the Queensland State Budget.
Minister for Women Di Farmer said the State Government would continue to invest in helping women and girls surmount challenges, disadvantage and gender inequality, in the year ahead.
“We are building a stronger Queensland by creating new jobs, growing new industries, building better infrastructure and delivering high-quality frontline services,” she said, “and everyone benefits when women and girls can take full advantage of those opportunities.
“Women are making tremendous progress in this state but we need to keep momentum going to ensure they can lead safe, healthy and secure lives, and can fully participate in every part of their communities.”
Ms Farmer said the number of women on Queensland Government boards has risen considerably, from 31 per cent in July 2015 to 48 per cent in March 2019.
“This is great news and shows the hard work we have put in is paying off,” she said.
“But best of all, ensuring women are visible in leadership roles lets every other woman know how high they can set their sights.”
Ms Farmer said gender inequality was still an issue for many women, with participation in social, economic and cultural life too often restricted by such things as barriers to employment, cultural and language barriers, limited career options, and worst of all violence.
Ms Farmer said the latest budget would invest in areas to help women overcome these inequalities, including:
- $80 million for employers to take on at least 10,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders, including women;
- $17.3 million to deliver new and enhanced domestic and family violence and sexual assault support services;
- $7.6 million for culturally appropriate maternal, parenting and child health services;
- $7.5 million for perinatal and infant health services, as part of a 5-year $31.2 million investment to respond to mental health needs;
- $7 million to improve female sporting facilities, as well as initiatives to drive greater gender equality and equal pay in sport;
- More than $3.7 million to support women and girls with eating disorders; and
- $1.2 million over 5 years to support young women transition from care, to independence.
