Budget helps women recover from COVID-19

The economic security, and health and wellbeing of Queensland women, was again supported in the 2020-21 Queensland State Budget.

Attorney-General and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said Queensland women were among the hardest hit economically by COVID-19.

“During the pandemic, more Queensland women lost their job than men, and we know women work in part time and in casual jobs, majority of which were ineligible for JobKeeper.

“Women also work in more frontline services such as aged and health care, teaching and childcare and cleaning and in industries impacted by shutdowns like retail and hospitality.”

Ms Fentiman added women performed far more of the unpaid labour and educating duties when compared to men during COVID.

While tabling the Palaszczuk Government’s fifth Queensland Women’s Economic Statement in Parliament today, the Attorney-General said she was “incredibly proud” of the work the State Government has done – and continues to do – in keeping Queensland women safe, and in jobs.

“We have responded by creating skills pathways for women such as our Skilling Queenslanders for Work, Free TAFE and Free apprenticeships.

“And we continue to implement policies to support more women in male dominated industries such as STEM and traditional trades, and to support them to thrive in small business.”

The pandemic has tragically exacerbated domestic and family violence, with almost 1 in 10 women in a relationship experiencing domestic violence during the COVID crisis, with two-thirds saying attacks started or became worse.

“We have committed $152 million to the safety of Queensland women and girls and delivered all 140 recommendations made in the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence report, Not Now, Not Ever; Putting and End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.

The $152 million investment includes:

• $48.5 million to respond to domestic and family violence, including counselling and crisis responses, court-based support to victims and perpetrators and specialist ATSI support
• Including over $5.5 million for DV Connect to continue their crucial work as the vital first port of call for women and children escaping domestic and family violence
• $34.3 million for women’s shelters, mobile and centre based support services
• Since 2015, 7 new women’s shelters have been funded in Queensland – the first in 20 years
• $11.8 million for specialist sexual violence services
• $8.4 million for women’s health and wellbeing services

Women’s Economic Statement: https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/campaign/womens-strategy/budget-statements

ENDS

Media Contact:          Penni Pappas                         0438 747 540