New Queensland women’s strategy launched

The Palaszczuk Government has released a new five-year strategy that sets out the government’s plan and commitment to support Queensland women and girls to succeed, with a focus on women’s economic security and safety.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022-27 builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s achievements while also acknowledging the significant work required to achieve gender equality in Queensland.

“My government is proud of what has been achieved in the past five years,” the Premier said.

“We’ve delivered major reforms and investment in the way systems respond to domestic and family violence, decriminalised termination of pregnancy in Queensland and provided respectful relationships education in Queensland state schools.

“We also exceeded our target of 50 per cent of women on government boards.

“But there has been a growing chorus of voices demanding safer, respectful and equitable communities, workplaces and environments.

“There’s also been greater recognition that more work needs to be done to deliver the deep cultural, systemic and institutional changes needed to address the economic and social inequalities faced by women and girls.

“This Strategy provides a framework for this work to take place over the next five years, including key commitments such as supporting women and girls to take up a career in male-dominated industries, developing a new dedicated Women’s Health Strategy to strengthen their health and wellbeing, and a focus on breaking down barriers for First Nations women.

“This new strategy is for all Queenslanders – governments, businesses, individuals and communities ­­– because achieving gender equality benefits everyone.”

Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said the Strategy outlined five key impact areas, with economic security identified as the first and overarching priority.

“A lack of economic security and financial independence amplifies every other barrier that prevents women from achieving equality,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Lower pay in female-dominated industries, the gender pay gap, workplace segregation and gendered stereotypes all contribute to this imbalance – and the Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem.

“This new Strategy outlines 13 commitments for Government agencies and partners to achieve economic security for women, including leading by example as a model employer.”

Women’s safety and well-being is also a key impact area in the Strategy and remained an issue of concern for the community.

Other areas of focus include elevating First Nations Women and improving outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, supporting women from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and empowering women into a wide range of leadership roles.

Minister Fentiman said she was confident the Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022-27 would build on the foundation established by the previous plan.

“With the new strategy, we can continue that momentum, and ‘keep making noise’ until women and girls are safe, valued, and able to freely participate and succeed in the economic, social and cultural opportunities in Queensland.

“I would also like to thank the many Queensland women and girls who contributed to the development of the Strategy.”

Minister Fentiman said it was good to see a $1.3 billion commitment to women’s safety announced in the Federal Government this week, however it is a short-term fix and in three years’ time the funding will be half of what it is next year.

“This budget fails to deliver meaningful change for Queensland women,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government was proud to the lead the way, becoming the first state to legislate paid domestic and family violence leave for government employees, but it was disappointing to see the Federal Government fail to deliver on this, despite overwhelming calls from both the business community and unions.”

The Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022-27 was developed following extensive community and stakeholder consultation including 1500 survey responses, 100 written submissions, direct consultation sessions, and a dedicated youth consultation.

To read to Strategy visit: www.qld.gov.au/womensstrategy

ENDS

Media contact:           Inga Williams  0439 949 719