MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 5 May 2026

Victoria’s 2026/2027 State Budget has delivered meaningful investment in gender equity, with the Victorian Government committing $4.8 billion (up from $4.4 billion in 2025/2026 Budget) in funds that positively impact gender equality initiatives across the state. 

Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) welcomes the Victorian Government’s continued commitment to building a more gender equal Victoria however cautions the impact of short-term funding over sustained investments.

Through Victoria’s commitment to gender equality budget statements and gender responsive budgeting, the state is setting the bar for the rest of the country, however more needs to be done to have a lasting impact.

Micaela Drieberg, CEO Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) said it was a relief to see similar levels of funding to last year’s Budget and no substantial cuts to programs that impact women, girls and gender-diverse people. 

Key investments GEN VIC welcomes in this Budget include:

• Support for the next year for Victoria’s 12 women’s health organisation, Victim’s Legal Service, Sexual Assault Services Victoria and Women and Mentoring
• Reinstatement of women’s leadership programs to support young women and those living in our regions.

“Gender equity does not happen by accident. It requires strategic, sustained investment. While today’s Budget shows the Victorian Government is prepared to back its commitments with real dollars, most of these investments are short-term, raising questions over the future of initiatives that require long-term investment for real impact,” says Ms Drieberg.

“It is interesting that, following on from the recent appointment of the first Victorian Minister for Men and Boys, we can’t find anything of note within this Budget that addresses this portfolio,” added Ms Drieberg.

“One-off programs do not create lasting impact – ongoing support and a commitment to see change does. We look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government to ensure that all Victorians have the opportunity to thrive in a gender equal society,” says Ms Drieberg.

With a state election on the horizon, GEN VIC is calling on all parties to be clear and transparent about their commitment to gender equality infrastructure, women’s health, leadership pathways and family violence prevention.

For more information about Gender Equity Victoria and its members, visit genvic.org.au. The 2026/2027 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. For more information about Gender Equity Victoria visit genvic.org.au.