Unpacking what the Federal Budget means for Gender Equality and Teaching Consent

Following this year's Federal Budget release, we thought we'd look into what it means for some of Saxton's female advocates. As part of the Albanese government's first budget, some new funding has been allocated towards gender equality. A key objective of the government is to make Australia "one of the most gender-equal countries in the world", says treasurer Jim Chalmers.

Chief Executive Women president and Saxton exclusive speaker Sam Mostyn welcomed the budget and Women's Budget Statement, especially its recognition that gender equality is at the core of Australia's future prosperity and resilience. “Today’s budget tells us that women are respected, valued, and their participation is now regarded as central to Australia’s economic prosperity,” said Sam Mostyn.

To foster equal opportunity, the government will:

• expand the paid parental leave scheme up to 26 weeks and ensure “more Dads [are] doing their bit” through the “use it or lose it” clause
• increase childcare subsidies over the next four years, and provide families with First Nations children a minimum of 36 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight
• invest $20.2 million to establish Pay Equity and Care and Community Sector expert panels in the Fair Work Commission.

Teach Us Consent founder and Saxton Speaker Chanel Contos has been tirelessly working towards implementing comprehensive relationships, consent, and sexuality education in Australian schools for many years.

According to the federal budget, some funding will be allocated toward the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. This includes “$83.5 million over six years for consent and respectful relationships education”.

As a result of the tireless efforts of advocates like Chanel Contos , Sam Mostyn , Grace Tame , Ashleigh Streeter-Jones and Tarang Chawla , we have achieved this major milestone in not only consent education but also gender equality in Australia. Congratulations to all involved in making consent education and gender equality a national priority.

Despite the fact that this budget marks a good start in preventing women from being left behind economically and eliminating the gender pay gap, many women will continue to struggle while these policies take effect.

See a more thorough breakdown of the budget and what this looks like for women’s advocacy organisations in this article by Women's Agenda :?https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/heres-what-different-womens-groups-are-saying-about-the-budget/

If you would like to book someone to speak to your team about the budget or gender equality contact Saxton Group and we will help you find the perfect speaker for your next event.