Sense of optimism for women

Julie Collins, Federal Member for Franklin

WOMEN’S History Month feels different this year - it arrives with a renewed sense of optimism for the future of women in our country.

There are more women in parliament, more women in the Government, more women in the Cabinet, and we have a Prime Minister who respects and listens to women.

I am proud to be a part of an Albanese Labor Government that puts the needs and aspirations of women at the heart of policy and decision making, because policy that is good for women is good for Australia.

For my part, as the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, I know that a stable home is essential for a good life.

Without somewhere safe and affordable to call our own, life can quickly become more challenging – more challenging to stay healthy, to stay employed, to stay in touch with friends and family.

I know this, because like so many other women around Australia, I have lived it.

These challenges are not exclusive to women of course - everyone deserves a place to call home, but I do know that every day women and children are left without a safe place to sleep as a result of family and domestic violence.

I know that older women are www.women.tas.gov.au the fastest growing group to experience homelessness in Australia.

The Albanese Government has a plan, and the Housing Australia Future Fund is at its heart.

The $10 billion Fund will deliver the single biggest investment in social and affordable housing in more than a decade. This includes 4,000 homes for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence or older women at risk of homelessness. The Fund will also deliver new funding for crisis and transitional housing options for people who need it.

It’s an ambitious plan, but women in Australia need us to think big.