The Victorian Women's Health Services Network (WHSN) and Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) have partnered to produce the first comprehensive gender analysis of the Victorian State Budget for 2024-25. As leading organisations dedicated to advancing the health, wellbeing and equality of all Victorian women, this groundbreaking report examines the budget through an intersectional gender lens, assessing its potential impact on creating a safer, healthier and more equitable future for all Victorians.
The analysis highlights the positive steps taken by the Victorian Government in addressing gender inequalities, particularly in areas such as women's safety, health and the prevention of family violence. The report commends the government's commitment to gender responsive budgeting, which has now been codified into law, marking a significant milestone in Victoria's journey towards gender equality.
"We are pleased to see the Victorian Government's ongoing commitment to creating a more equitable society, despite the challenging economic climate," said WHSN Chair, and CEO of Women's Health Loddon Mallee, Tricia Currie.
The continuation of funding for crucial services and the introduction of gender responsive budgeting legislation demonstrate progress. However, the analysis also reveals areas where sustained, long-term investment is needed to address the root causes of gender inequality.
In the analysis WHSN and GENVIC:
- Welcome investments in women's health services, preventing family violence and supporting victim-survivors, but the need for a sustainable, long-term funding model remains.
- Reflect on the positive measures for cost-of-living relief, but a call for more comprehensive strategies to address systemic economic inequalities affecting women.
- Advocate for government investment and support for women's care work to be recognised not just as a means to increase workforce participation, but also as a valuable contribution to society and the economy. Policies should reframe the perception of women's caring roles to acknowledge their significant social and economic benefits.
- Highlight the unique needs of diverse communities but see opportunities to strengthen intersectional approaches.
- Advocate for an expanded definitions of "family" in policy to be inclusive of all family structures.
- Make a call to action to address gender inequity in the state's vocational education and training system.
"This budget analysis is a vital tool in dissecting government gender equality investments and ensuring that Victoria continues to progress towards a future where every individual, regardless of their gender, can thrive," noted GEN VIC CEO, Micaela Drieberg.
"By examining budgetary decisions through a gender lens, we can identify gaps, celebrate successes, and advocate for the changes needed to dismantle the structural inequalities that hold us back as a society."
The WHSN and GEN VIC are committed to working collaboratively with the Victorian Government and all stakeholders to action the recommendations put forward in this report. The full gender analysis of the Victorian Budget 2024-25 can be found on the WHSN and GEN VIC websites.
Resources
The full report can be found on the Victorian Women's Health Services Website here - https://www.whsn.org.au/policy-submissions/gender-analysis-victorian-budget-2024-25
About the Victorian Women's Health Services Network:
The Victorian Women's Health Services Network is a collective of 12 state government-funded women's health services, each a centre of excellence in gendered health promotion, primary prevention, and gender equity. Together they work collaboratively for a fairer, safer, and healthier Victoria.
About Gender Equality Victoria:
Gender Equality Victoria is an independent member-based organisation representing over 40 entities across Victoria dedicated to achieving intersectional gender equality. GEN VIC provides support to a growing gender equity movement across industries, communities and sectors to create a gender equal society where all people can thrive.
