Budget helps women recover from COVID-19
The economic security, and health and wellbeing of Queensland women, was again supported in the 2020-21 Queensland State Budget.
Member for Pine Rivers Ms Nikki Boyd said women were among the hardest hit economically by COVID-19.
“Women have borne the economic brunt of COVID more so than men,” Ms Boyd said
“Not only by working in frontline jobs such as aged and health care, teaching and child-care, and cleaning, but also in industries most impacted by shutdowns such as retail and hospitality.
Member for Pine Rivers Ms Boyd said during the pandemic we saw more Queenslanders work from home and students move out of the classroom.
“At home, women are primarily responsible for the care of children and domestic work – both of which have increased in COVID,” Ms Boyd said
“We have responded by creating skills pathways for women such as our Skilling Queenslanders for Work, Free TAFE and Free apprenticeships.
“And we continue to implement policies to support more women in male dominated industries such as STEM and traditional trades, and to support them to thrive in small business.”
While tabling the Palaszczuk Government’s fifth Queensland Women’s Economic Statement, the Attorney-General and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said she was “incredibly proud” of the work the State Government has done – and continues to do - in keeping Queensland women safe, and in jobs.
The pandemic has tragically exacerbated domestic and family violence, with almost 1 in 10 women in a relationship experienced domestic violence during the COVID crisis, with two-thirds saying attacks started or became worse.
“We have committed $152M to the safety of Queensland women and girls and delivered all 140 recommendations made in the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence report, Not Now, Not Ever; Putting and End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.
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