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Opposition Leader Shorten’s vow on women

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has vowed that future Labor government budgets will include statements outlining the impact on women to ensure there are no more “budgets for blokes.”

Speaking at a campaign event in Sydney, he said a future Labor government would also ensure that half of all places on government boards were filled by women and that employment standards would include five days family violence survivor leave.

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Making a specific funding promise, he pledged $88 million for safe housing for women and children escaping domestic violence.

He said that merely stating that women hold up half the sky is not good enough.

“For every budget that Labor delivers in the future, we will issue a separate, specific statement detailing the effects of our policies on women because Australia cannot afford six Liberal years of budgets for blokes,” he said.

Mr Shorten said family violence was a national disgrace that demanded a national approach.

The family violence measures are part of Labor’s policy on equal treatment for women, which also focuses on women’s sport and pay equality.

Pru Goward

Pru Goward says Labor’s promise falls short.

“We believe that if we’re elected after July 2, and we were to secure no other outcome other than improve and achieve the equal treatment of women, this country would be a much more united society,” he said.

Labor homelessness spokeswoman Katy Gallagher said women and children fleeing family violence was the leading cause of homelessness.

“One of the gaps that’s existed for the last couple of years has been a program which helps increase the number of housing options for women when they make that choice,” she said.

But NSW minister for the prevention of domestic violence Pru Goward said what Labor proposed wasn’t enough.

“Frankly, $88 million for housing around Australia is derisory. Every state spends hundreds of millions of dollars on housing alone and $88 million across Australia is a drop in the bucket,” she said.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.

Topics: Bill Shorten
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