WEL Media Release: 8 March 2024

WEL calls for sustained efforts to achieve ambitious National Gender Equality Strategy

WEL congratulates Minister for Women Katy Gallagher and the Federal Government on its National Gender Equality Strategy announced yesterday, in particular on its ambitiousness and whole of Government approach.

WEL National Convenor, Jozefa Sobski, welcomed the ambitious targets set under five priority areas. She commented: “these will only be achieved through a concerted and coordinated effort at all levels of government in collaboration with the private sector, community service organisations and professionals in the field”.

“WEL particularly welcomes the Minister’s acknowledgment in her Press Club speech today of the valuable advice and advocacy that has been available to the government through its ongoing consultation with women’s organisations”.

WEL expects that the Strategy’s ambitions will be matched by budget allocations over the next few years: it looks forward to further funded initiatives in the next Women’s Budget Statement.

The Albanese Government with Katy Gallagher as Minister for Women have promised action that will drive change accompanied by public reporting through the Status of Women Report Card.

WEL particularly congratulates the government on setting guiding principles for its Strategy that aim to ensure that action is evidence-based and informed by lived experience; efforts are inclusive and intersectional, and that First Nations Australians will lead action to drive change in their communities.

“This Strategy must not suffer the fate of other action plans which languish after being launched due to changes in political priorities. WEL urges all parties and the cross bench to embrace this Strategy so that it can be truly a national effort’, said Jozefa Sobski.

Media Inquiries: Jozefa Sobski 0403 895 929