Tasmanian Government urged to apply gender impact statements to future budgets

Matt Maloney | Advocate Newspaper | November 26, 2020    

Womens’ Minister Sarah Courtney says she will look at the resourcing required for a gender impact statement to be applied to future state budgets.

Nelson independent MLC Meg Webb last week made the suggestion in Parliament, saying women were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to men and this was not acknowledged in the budget.

“The government may say it acknowledges this disproportionate impact, and is seeking to address it,” she said.

“I say, barely lip-service has been made.”

Ms Webb in a budget estimates hearing tried to get the government to commitment to the concept of a gender impact statement.

“It is a very normal thing to do and it is important for effective policy development and effective accountability around policy decision-making,” she said.

“It is not about how many cabinet members are around the table who happen to be women or being able to provide a perspective.

“It is about tangible assessment at a policy development stage, decision-making stage and reporting stage.”

Ms Courtney said she would take advice on what resources would be required.

“Without having advice on the resourcing, I can’t make a commitment,” she said.

“I would not want any of the resources I have in this portfolio not doing what they are doing now.

“I am conscious of the preparation of budget papers and preparation of the budget is resourced through Treasury, not through Communities Tas.”

The federal budget used to feature a gender impact statement though this has since been scrapped.

Matt Maloney The Advocate

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