MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 20 May 2025

This year’s Victorian budget was the first in Australia to use gender responsive budgeting law, which has resulted in the Victorian Government investing $4.4 billion into direct gender equality initiatives across the state. While this is substantial, it is $1.7 billion less than last year’s budget. 

The 2025/2026 Victorian Budget delivers in assisting families with rising cost of living pressures and funding vital health access. 

Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) welcomes funding to reduce cost of living pressures and vital access to health services, which we know disproportionately impact women. However, the organisation is disappointed by the reduction in funding for initiatives that target women and girls in the state.

GEN VIC’s CEO Micaela Drieberg said women across the state and the country continue to face issues that don’t impact men, and funding that focuses on bridging the gap between genders is important to ensure everyone has the ideal circumstances to thrive.

“We know that women are more likely to be paid less than men, experience violence and discrimination and be overlooked for career opportunities. We also know that gender inequality is experienced differently by all women and that aspects like culture, age, income and abilities also impact gender equality,” says Ms Drieberg. 

“In order to set women and girls up for success, we need greater sustained investment in initiatives that directly meet the diverse needs of women and girls across the state,” added Ms Drieberg.

GEN VIC and its members called for key actions in their submission to this budget that included funding delivery of Our Equal State, investment in women’s leadership, support for meeting the Gender Equality Act obligations and investment in gender equity across all ages and genders. 

Of the funding that will directly impact Victorian women and girls in the 2025/2026 Victorian Budget:

• More than 150 initiatives have been assessed as having a positive impact on gender equality
• 12 initiatives with a combined investment of $2.4 billion which are expected to have a significant positive impact, changing attitudes, reducing barriers and increasing access or participation for women
• $844 million is invested in women’s health, up from $657 million in the last budget
• $1 million over two years has been allocated for the Honour Roll of Women
• $797 million towards the prevention of family and domestic violence and support of women’s safety, increased from $269 million from last year
• Funding for 1800 My Options continues, a vital information service about sexual and reproductive health.

“Overall for our members, it’s pleasing to see there is a continuation of funding for some key programs, however there are still a number of unknowns and these details won’t be available for a while yet. We welcome continuing to work with the Victorian Government to ensure that all Victorians are provided with opportunities to thrive in a gender equal society,” says Ms Drieberg.

The 2025/2026 Gender Equality Budget Statement is available here.

ENDS

Media contact

For more information and to arrange an interview with GEN VIC spokespeople, contact:

Molly Hyndman, Swell Communications

molly@swellcommunications.com.au | 0491 209 711

About Gender Equity Victoria

Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) is the leading independent body dedicated to championing gender equity across Victoria, empowering and connecting individuals and organisations to drive transformative change to create a more inclusive society.