Greens announce major plan to support Canberra’s women through COVID-19 crisis

The ACT Greens have today launched a Gender-led Recovery Package to support Canberra’s women through the COVID-19 crisis.

“Canberrans of all genders deserve equal opportunities,” ACT Greens Spokesperson for Women Emma Davidson said today.

“While the recent bushfire emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted everyone in our community, they have also exacerbated existing inequalities. In particular, women and girls have lost more working hours, and are taking on a higher proportion of unpaid domestic, caring and child support work. They are also more likely to experience housing stress and an increased risk of homelessness, poorer mental health, increased likelihood of domestic and family violence, and precarious employment. 

“While we are looking to solutions to support our community through our recovery, now is the opportunity to rebalance these impacts. These past few months have been challenging for all of us, but we can - and must - Build a Better Normal through this crisis.

“The Greens will put women’s employment, leadership and contributions at the heart of our COVID-19 resilience and recovery plan. 

“That’s why, through Our Gender Led Recovery Package, the Greens will:

• Create more jobs in the community services industry (mental health support, drug and alcohol workers, housing and homelessness support, community centre workers)
• Tackle the gender divide while supporting more women to move into higher paid industries, including into Canberra’s rapidly developing renewable energy industry and STEM sector
• Deliver permanent flexible working arrangements in the ACT Public Service, including options for 4 day week contracts and work-from-home arrangements
• Accelerate the roll out of 15 hours a week free early childhood education for all three year olds.

• Strengthen our responses to domestic and family violence 

• Invest in more social, community and affordable housing
• Ensure Government delivers urgent and quantifiable progress to improve the status of Canberra women across all Government programs.

“Women are half of the ACT’s population, and Canberra women will also benefit from the Greens’ comprehensive policy package across other sectors, including investments in energy efficiency programs and housing retrofits, housing support, health and education (early childhood and STEM especially), community sector investment, and participatory democracy reforms.

“Gender equality and women’s rights are essential to getting through this pandemic together,” Ms Davidson added.

A full copy of the ACT Greens Gender Led Recovery Plan can be found below