Labor to make Tasmania a national leader on gender equality

• All economic policies will be gender audited under a Labor Government
• Action must be taken to address growing pay gap in Tasmania
• Gender equality must be central to programs, projects and budgets
Shadow Minister for Women and Deputy Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne and Labor Leader Bryan Green have announced that all economic policies will be gender audited under a Labor Government.
Mr Green made the announcement in today’s State of the State address.
“Labor has a proud tradition of working to close the gender gap,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“Labor is committed to proactively gender auditing all our economic policies in government, championing gender equality and ensuring that we have an economy that works for all.
“In Tasmania the gender pay gap grew by 1.1% from 12.1% to 13.2% between May 2015 and May 2016.
“By re-introducing this policy of comprehensive gender auditing, Labor hopes to genuinely address inequality and make Tasmania a national leader on this issue.
“We also know that one of the best ways of eliminating violence against women is through full economic and social inclusion, that’s why we’re introducing this policy.”
Mr Green said gender auditing – also called gender budgeting – means that gender equality must be a central consideration in developing policies, programs, projects and budgets.
“As we mark International Women’s Day I am proud to be leading a party that has been proactive in closing the gender gap,” Mr Green said.
“I am proud to lead a party that has provided opportunities for so many strong women – including Tasmania’s first female Premier, Lara Giddings.
“But we can, indeed we must, do better.
“This policy will allow us to address gender inequalities through gender-specific measures for women, men or both.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader, Michelle O’Byrne MP Deputy Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Women