Australia is failing women facing violence and poverty. Inadequate funding, weak economic support, and systemic gaps leave too many without safety or stability.

We ask the next government to:

• Fully fund the National Action Plan to end violence against women, with a focus on prevention and local support services.

• Improve transparency of federal funding under the 2023–25 Violence National Partnership Agreement.

• Raise JobSeeker to 90% of the Age Pension, aligning with expert recommendations.

• Reform tax and welfare systems through a gender lens to fix high marginal tax rates affecting women.

Why is this important?

Intimate partner violence deaths are up 30%. One in five women faces poverty after abuse. Leaving a violent relationship often leads to a 45% income drop. Economic empowerment is essential to safety and recovery.

Women are leaving work too soon because the system overlooks their health. From underfunded research to inadequate rural care, our health gaps are impacting women's lives, careers, and billions in economic potential.

We urge the next government to:

• Prioritise women's health research, funding, and policy inclusion.

• Develop a National Menopause Action Plan with more substantial rural healthcare access.

• Improve medical training and invest in nationwide menopause research.

Why is this important?

Health-related issues force 45% of women to leave the workforce early—costing the economy $72 billion annually. On average, women retire 12 years earlier than they want to. It's time for action that supports women’s health and Australia’s future.

Unlocking Australia’s economic future means unlocking women’s potential. Gender segregation in the workforce holds back progress, limits innovation, and leaves billions in productivity on the table.

We’re calling on the future government to:

• Partner with industry, unions, and professional bodies to expand programs supporting women of all backgrounds in entering and thriving in male-dominated and emerging sectors.

Why is this important?

Australia's workforce remains one of the most gender-segregated in the OECD. Reducing occupational segregation could drive 20–40% growth in GDP per capita. In construction, women make up just 16% of leadership roles—and over half of companies have no women in key management. The energy transition may bring 67 million jobs by 2030, yet only 25% are expected to go to women without urgent intervention.

Too many women are slipping through the cracks of Australia’s housing system. Older women face rising homelessness, limited support, and housing options that ignore their safety and needs.

We’re calling on the future government to:

• Review the tax system through a housing affordability lens.

• Increase rent assistance in line with expert recommendations.

• Expand social housing with a focus on women.

• Develop targeted housing pathways for vulnerable groups.

• Implement safety-focused design standards in shelters, with dedicated support for older women.

Why it matters?

Women over 55 are the fastest-growing cohort experiencing homelessness. Since 2016, homelessness among women has increased by 10%—nearly double the national average. We must act now to ensure safe, secure housing for all women.

Research shows that when more women are in political leadership, everyone benefits economically, socially, and culturally.

We’re calling on the future government to:

• Appoint a gender-balanced cabinet.

• Support gender equality in procurement, including passing the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill.

Why it matters?

Diverse leadership drives better outcomes. Companies with strong diversity cultures are 35% more likely to financially outperform their peers. A government that reflects its people leads more effectively for all.