Coming into the 2024-25 WA Budget, it was critical the WA government invest in women and invest in a community where women can thrive. While we saw investment in some areas, such as family and domestic violence, overall, there was a lack of commitment to systematically addressing barriers to women’s economic and social participation.

If we are to create a more equal WA, it is clear we need to update our approach to public spending.

Gender responsive budgeting (GRB) is strategy that creates budgets that work for everyone. GRB includes analysis of the impact of the budget on gender equality and considers the process of changing budgetary decision-making priorities. By addressing the economic and fiscal impacts of government budgets on women and gender diverse people, GRB ensures that the WA economy is serving and benefiting all community members.

This one-hour webinar will introduce gender responsive budgeting and discuss the important role of public spending in achieving gender equity.

Guest Speakers

Emeritus Professor Siobhan Austen

Siobhan is director of the Women in Social and Economic Research (WiSER) and Professor Emerita of economics at Curtin University. Her research expertise is in the gendered analysis of social and economic policy issues, with a specific focus on retirement incomes, work and pay. She has written and published widely on these topics. Siobhan’s community roles are extensive. She is on the editorial boards of the Journal of Economic Issues, Feminist Economics, and the Economics and Labour Relations Review and is a member of the Work and Family Roundtable.

Micaela Drieberg

Micaela is the Chief Executive Officer of Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC), an independent state-wide peak body for organisations and individuals working to advance gender equality in Victoria. Micaela is a committed feminist and a strategic, collaborative leader with over 20 years of experience across for-purpose sectors, including all three levels of government, universities, not-for-profit organisations and peak bodies. Micaela has previously served as a Mayor and Ministerial Adviser and most recently, was the Head of Government Relations and Partnerships for a national community organisation. In addition to her work with GEN VIC, she is also a Director with South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network and Teaching Associate with Monash University.

 

Micaela and Siobhan will provide an overview of the need for, and benefits of, gender responsive budgeting and outline progress towards gender responsive budgeting in other Australia jurisdictions – with a particular focus on work underway in Victoria. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion.

This webinar will be hosted by Jessica Murray, Manager for Women’s Health and Gender Equity at the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.

This event is a partnership between WACOSS and the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.