Budget 2008-09 > Women's Budget Statement 2008-09 > A message from the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Status of Women
Women's Budget Statement 2008-09 - A message from the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Status of Women
The 2008-09 Budget will secure Australia's future and build a strong economy to deliver for working families. The Government values the contribution Australian women make in our workplaces, homes and communities across the country. With this Budget women will share more equally in Australia's prosperity.As the frequent managers of household budgets, women have experienced first hand the impact of rising costs of living and global economic forces. The Government wants to assist, where it can, to relieve the pressure on women's lives.
The 2008-09 Women's Budget Statement highlights measures in the Budget that will assist women and their families. With this 2008-09 Budget begins a new era of responsible economic management. The Government is investing in Australia's long term future through tax cuts that will assist low and middle income earners, especially women returning to work. The Government is investing in education, early childhood learning and increasing child care assistance. The Government is investing in better hospitals and more help for carers.
In delivering on our election commitments, the Government is developing and implementing a National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children and is commencing the assessment process required to ratify the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.
This is a new age and we look forward to working with you, and all Australians, to improve the lives of women and their families.
Yours sincerely,
Kevin Rudd
Prime Minister
Tanya Plibersek
Minister for the Status of Women