Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Women, Senator Payne. Will the minister update the Senate on the steps the Liberals and Nationals government has taken this year in relation to supporting Australian women and focusing on their safety?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hughes for her question. Yesterday's report on Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner has underscored the task that is ahead of us, both here and nationally. This is a task to which we as a government are very strongly committed. Too many Australians, particularly women, do continue to face harassment, violence and inequality across the country. However, we have made progress in important areas.

Addressing inequality is fundamental, and that is why the Morrison government is supporting women's leadership and strengthening women's options by helping to enhance economic security. We've established a cabinet task force dedicated to women's safety and economic security, including ministers with specific responsibilities in those areas—and I acknowledge Senator Ruston, Senator Hume and Senator Stoker and their roles. Our Women's Budget Statement is investing a record $1.1 billion in women's safety. Measures include the escaping violence payment and the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program, with 780 additional emergency accommodation places for women and children. And there's the Stop it at the Start campaign about creating more respectful attitudes.

We have funded, or fully implemented, most of the recommendations of the Respect@Work report, with further work underway. We are finalising the next National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children, following a valuable and important national summit. We've also funded national partnerships with states and territories for frontline services during COVID-19. Just as within parliament we must work across parties in addressing these issues, nationally we must work between governments, with the private sector, community and advocacy groups and frontline organisations. This is a task for all Australians.

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hughes, a supplementary question?

Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister outline the government's investments in women's economic security and workforce participation?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Through a $1.9 billion investment in the Women's Budget Statement of May this year and our broader policies, the Morrison government is working to build women's economic security and to grow women's workforce participation. We've increased the child-care subsidy to make child care more affordable. Our Boosting Female Founders Initiative has awarded nearly $12 million to 51 women-owned and led start-ups. Our Career Revive program is supporting 60 additional employers to attract or retain women after they take a career break, and the Family Home Guarantee is supporting single parents to buy a home.

We know the COVID pandemic has had a particular impact on women's employment, but our economic recovery plan has helped create jobs, rebuild our economy and provide the conditions to enhance women's economic security. We will continue to focus on these tasks as we build the recovery.

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hughes, a second supplementary question?

Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister also outline to the Senate the government's support for women's leadership and equality?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This government is strongly committed to supporting more women into leadership positions. We've expanded the successful Women's Leadership and Development Program and funded over 70 projects across Australia in both urban and regional areas that support around 50,000 women and girls into employment and leadership opportunities. Our Academy for Enterprising Girls, for example, is developing young women's skills in entrepreneurship and is now supporting over 6,300 students.

We're also leading by example. We are less than half a per cent away from our goal of having 50 per cent of women holding government board positions. We set that target and we will meet it. Under the Morrison government, the gender pay gap has narrowed to its lowest level on record, at 13.4 per cent. But I acknowledge and recognise that the impact of COVID-19 and consecutive lockdowns has impacted that figure. Continuing to narrow the gap and enhance women's leadership and equality remain our priorities.