Women's Budget Statement

Opened the debate

King stated that the government is committed to advancing gender equality through gender-responsive budgeting and the Working for women strategy. King reported that the national gender pay gap had fallen to 11.9 per cent and that women's full-time earnings had increased. King detailed significant investments in violence prevention, including over $4 billion since 2022, and new measures for justice system responses. King highlighted childcare reforms, including the three-day guarantee and wage increases for educators, as well as aged-care funding. King also noted health investments, such as PBS listings for new contraceptives and menopausal therapies, and structural reforms like the Workforce Gender Equality Amendment Bill.

Opposition response

Ley argued that women have experienced financial strain and declining living standards under the current government. Ley claimed that the coalition previously delivered strong economic management and funded women's initiatives effectively. Ley criticised the government's handling of the economy, citing rising costs for food, rent, and health insurance. Ley outlined coalition commitments to restore Medicare mental health sessions, provide Medicare rebates for menopause assessments, and fund specialist nurses for ovarian cancer. Ley asserted that a coalition government would better support women's economic security and healthcare access.