SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
SENATOR FOR THE ACT

FUNDING TO BOOST GENDER EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIAN POLITICS

The Albanese Labor Government has delivered on its election commitment, committing $5 million over five years through the Women in Public Office grant opportunity to boost gender equality and diversity in Australian politics.

Under the Women’s Leadership and Development Program, the Women in Public Office grant opportunity will support organisations to equip and encourage more women across the political spectrum to run for public office at local, state and federal levels.

“There are undeniable benefits from having more women in public office,” said the Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher.

“More women in public office and sitting at the decision-making table, irrespective of which political party they are a member of, improves policy outcomes for the broader community, and also has a positive impact on the culture within Parliament House.”

“Women make up more than 50 per cent of the general population in Australia but are not yet half of the representatives that sit in Federal Parliament.”

“We want to support organisations that have clear programs or strategies in place to support women, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to get involved in politics and to work towards election to public office.”

“Politics and parliaments have traditionally been male dominated workplaces and we want to empower organisations to break down the barriers that make it challenging for women to run for public office,” the minister concluded.

Projects will address barriers to entering office and provide women candidates with a clear understanding of political process and candidate expectations.

Applications will need to clearly demonstrate that activities have no political affiliations or agendas, and are accessible to all women across the political spectrum.

Eligible organisations currently delivering programs, initiatives and resources that encourage and prepare women to run for public office are invited to apply.  Proposed projects must complement or expand, and not duplicate, existing programs aimed at helping women gain public office positions.

The Women in Public Office grant opportunity opens on Tuesday 8 November 2022 and closes Monday 19 December 2022.

A virtual information briefing will be hosted by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women from 10am to 11:30am on Wednesday 16 November. Interested organisation are encouraged to attend.

Further information on the grant opportunity and the virtual information briefing is available on GrantConnect

TUESDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2022