Supporting Women
The McGowan Labor Government is committed to continuing its work towards achieving gender equality.
This women’s 2023-24 Budget overview highlights how the Budget targets areas of inequality experienced by women.
Aligned with the priority areas of Stronger Together: WA’s Plan for Gender Equality, the 2023-24 Budget includes:
Safety and Justice
- $52.5 million for family and domestic violence services, including:
- $16.3 million to establish a one-stop FDV hub in Broome.
- $13.4 million to extend the operation of the Mirrabooka and Kalgoorlie FDV Hubs.
- $18.9 million for community legal services and Legal Aid WA, to support access to legal services for people in need.
Health and Wellbeing
- $544 million to commence construction of the new Women and Babies Hospital.
- $420 million investment in mental health services, including uplifts to community and hospital mental health services.
- $15 million increase to the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, including upgrades to changerooms to ensure they are fit for women’s sports.
- $2 million for the expansion of BreastScreen Australia.
Economic Independence
- $511 million in new social housing and homelessness investments.
- $3 million for 400 scholarships for women to train in non-traditional trade and technical occupations.
- $826 in electricity bill relief for women most in need who are already eligible for the Energy Assistance Payment.
Leadership
- $700,000 for the Rural, Regional and Remote Network to represent the voice of women across the State.
This builds on initiatives including:
- The Respectful Relationships Teaching Support Program, to support students to build healthy, non-violent future relationships.
- New maternity, birthing and neonatal services as part of the $277.9 million Bunbury Hospital Redevelopment.
- Ongoing investment in earlier intervention and family support initiatives, supporting children at risk and their families, with over $108 million to be spent in 2023-24 alone.
- The Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety program to address sexual harassment and mine safety, including a Respect in Mining pilot program.
- Free period products in secondary schools and TAFEs.
- The Aboriginal Ranger Program – almost half of people employed so far have been women.