March 3, 2025
Chief Executive Women (CEW) has announced its 2025 Federal Election Platform, urging the future government to boost the economy by addressing barriers to women’s workforce participation.
The pre-eminent organisation representing Australia’s most senior women leaders has published its 2025 Federal Election Platform outlining a six-point plan to strengthen productivity, ease cost-of-living pressures, and build a stronger, more globally competitive economy.
CEW research shows that one million additional full-time skilled workers could be unlocked if women were engaged in paid work at the same rate as men.
CEW chief executive Lisa Annese said: “If we are serious about the country’s economic future, we must prioritise women’s workforce participation. With the right policies, we can boost GDP and build a stronger, more competitive economy that benefits all Australians.”
CEW is calling on the future government to:
"These are six priorities that our members, and many voters, will be looking to the future federal government to deliver. The solutions are clear, as are the economic benefits – parties that ignore them do so at their own peril.”
A pipeline for women in male-dominated future industries
As the major parties vie for support for their visions of Australia's energy future, CEW is calling on the future government to expand programs that support women’s entry and progression in emerging industries.
Australia’s workforce is one of the most gender-segregated in the OECD.
“Research shows the energy transition is expected to create 67 million new jobs worldwide by 2030, but without intervention, women are projected to hold only 25 per cent of these roles,” Ms Annese said.
“Women must be at the centre of Australia’s economic future. We need coordinated action from government, industry and unions to break down barriers in male-dominated industries because when women succeed, the entire economy benefits.”
Affordable housing that considers the needs of women
CEW is recommending government increase social and affordable housing availability and improve housing support for women.
Women over 55 are now the fastest-growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness, with the 2021 Census recording a 10 per cent increase in women’s homelessness since 2016 — almost double the national average.
“Secure, affordable housing is essential for women to fully participate in the workforce. Yet, older women are the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness, and many face housing stress due to rising rents and a lack of suitable housing options,” Ms Annese said.
“We cannot expect women to engage in the workforce if they are unable to find a safe and affordable place to live. Investing in targeted housing solutions, including rent assistance and social housing, is critical to unlocking economic participation."
Investment in women’s safety and economic security
CEW is urging the future government to adequately resource the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women and improve economic security measures, including increased JobSeeker support.
Research by Anne Summers released last week found the employment rate for women who experienced partner violence in the previous five years was 5.3 per cent lower than women who had not.
“Women’s safety and economic security are deeply interconnected. Financial hardship is one of the biggest barriers preventing women from leaving violent relationships, and many who do face a drastic income drop, pushing them into poverty. Addressing this issue requires investment in support services, and stronger transparency around federal funding,” Ms Annese said.
“Women cannot fully participate in the economy if they do not have financial security or personal safety. Government must also invest in economic policies that prevent hardship in the first place.”
In February, CEW welcomed two federal announcements supporting women's workforce participation: $573 million investment in women’s health, and a three-day childcare guarantee that families would receive at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare each fortnight.
“These are ballot box priorities that will move the needle on the barriers impacting women, families and the economy at large. We now look forward to seeing them fully implemented,” Ms Annese said.
CEW’s complete Federal Election Platform can be viewed here.
ENDS
CEW Media Contact:
Jesse McCarthy-Price
jesse@cew.org.au
0429 160 550