Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver his first budget on Tuesday night, setting the scene for the future direction of the Albanese Government.
Chalmers has already confirmed the budget will ensure commitments made during the election campaign are delivered, such as changes to childcare reform.
As Australia deals with a structural deficit and rising inflation amid uncertain global economic conditions, Chalmers has already warned it will be “a bread and butter” budget. But he is also expected to deliver a “wellbeing budget”, that will measure wellbeing outcomes, not just GDP.
So, what’s on our wish list for women this federal budget? We’ve got a few ideas…
What’s already been announced?
Paid parental leave
The government has already announced changes to paid parental leave for families. Firstly, the government-funded scheme has been extended to move incrementally from 18 weeks to 6 months by the year 2026. Eligibility for the scheme will also be expanded, with the income test overhauled allowing households with incomes of up to $350,000 access it. In families with two parents, both individuals will be able to take leave at the same time.
What else would we like to see on paid parental leave?
While these initial announcements are great steps forward on paid parental leave, it would be even better to see the increase to six months leave brought in immediately (rather than incrementally over the next four years) to give families more flexibility and choice.
To help close the gender superannuation gap, it’s also critical the government considers paying superannuation to those using its paid parental leave scheme. On average, Australian women currently retire with almost 50 per cent less superannuation than men, and 23 per cent of women retire with no superannuation savings at all.
The government could also consider paying paid parental leave at a replacement wage level, rather than at minimum wage.
Early childhood education and care
One of Labor’s main election promises was changes to early childhood education and care, to make it cheaper and more accessible for families. The government has already introduced legislation that it says will make childcare more affordable for 96 per cent of families with children. These changes will be brought in mid next year.
What else could they do on early childhood education and care?
There are calls for the childcare subsidy changes to be brought forward, from July next year to now or even the start of next year, to give families more immediate cost of living relief.
Housing
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported this morning that the budget will include a new scheme to build one million new homes, with a particular focus on new, affordable housing. It will be delivered in an accord with the states and the private sector.
What would we put on the budget wishlist for women?
Funding commitments for the National Action Plan
It’s essential we see specific, measurable targets in the new National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2023, as well as the funding that will be committed to address the crisis of gender-based violence.
A standalone action plan and funding commitments for First Nations women
The government has said it is in the process of developing a standalone National Action Plan to End Violence against for Aboriginal Women and Children. It’s imperative this is well resourced with specific funding commitments for community-led solutions, as called for by Professor Marcia Langton.
This week, the ABC’s Four Corners revealed First Nations women are being murdered at up to 12 times the national average. The program also explained that 315 First Nations women have gone missing or been murdered or killed in suspicious circumstances since 2000. There is also no agency in Australia keeping count of this crisis.
Improved access to abortion, especially in regional and rural areas
The Greens recently established a Senate inquiry into abortion access, looking at what can be done to remove barriers at a federal level. Health Minister Mark Butler has also said the government agrees access to reproductive health services should be improved under the National Women’s Health Strategy. Funding in this area is pivotal to improving women’s lives across the country, especially for those in regional and rural areas who face greater barriers.
Better support for female entrepreneurs
A boost to grants for female entrepreneurs would be meaningful, as Rachael Evans, founder and CEO of The Workshop Whisperer and Brave Media Network, pointed out in this article (first published by SmartCompany). Evans said more educational funding for women in startups would also be a great way to help women better position themselves to pitch and apply for venture capital.
It’s a shocking statistic, but it’s worth noting that just over 2% of global venture capital globally is invested in female-owned startups.
Social housing for women
A NSW parliamentary report recently laid bare the reality of homelessness, describing older women as the ‘face’ of homelessness in the sate. A plan for social housing is urgently needed across the country as noted in the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. Funding commitments from the federal government are needed to ensure those facing homelessness are able to access affordable, long term housing solutions.
Support for STEM careers
The government could also look at investing in improving the talent pool in the STEM and tech industries, and initiatives to get more women into the sectors. As we know, there is a shortage of women and people from diverse backgrounds in STEM and tech. Women currently make up just 16 per cent of people with STEM qualifications in Australia.
Science Minister Ed Husic has committed to looking at the problem, launching a review of federal programs designed to get more women in STEM.