Achieving equality for women and girls requires a collective effort, and the Malinauskas Government remains committed to creating a future where all women and girls are safe, supported and empowered.

This budget includes initiatives to help deliver that future including addressing the prevalence of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), improving health and wellbeing, and empowering women to fully engage in the South Australian economy.

Women’s participation in the workforce, in both traditional industries and male-dominated roles, is important for their financial independence and our economy. This budget continues sustainable investments in measures that progress gender equality.

The 2025-26 Budget initiatives align with the Women’s Equality Blueprint 2023-26 which sets out the areas of importance for advancing gender equality in the state. Improving women’s health, safety, and economic participation will help the South Australian economy grow and thrive.

CONTINUED GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT

  • $26.1 million contribution towards the renewed Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses National Partnership Agreement (FDSV NPA).
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Line – $880 000 per annum to boost staffing levels and call response capacity to victim-survivors.
  • $5.7 million over two years to continue specialist DFSV programs and associated program support.
  • $5 million over four years to support child and adolescent mental health and eating disorder services.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • $15.7 million housing development that will provide affordable and secure long-term rental accommodation for women, prioritising survivors of domestic violence.
  • $5.4 million for women and girls sport funded through Power of Her Round 2.
  • 320 scholarships provided to attract and retain early childhood educators.
  • 17 Kindy Care locations established with over 200 enrolments.
  • More than 2 700 coaches, players and club officials participated in the Raiise respectful environments education program.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SECURITY

$9.6 million over four years to improve safety and security on the bus network, delivering a safer and more accessible transport system.

FAMILY, DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

$3.5 million over two years to continue resourcing to support implementation of the FDSV NPA and to coordinate a whole of government response to the final recommendations of the Royal Commission.

The budget ensures we have capacity to quickly respond to accepted recommendations of the Royal Commission.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RECOVERY HUBS

$2 million over two years to continue and expand the northern and southern domestic violence prevention and recovery hubs to support people experiencing domestic violence.

HOUSING PACKAGE

$552.4 million to support new home construction to facilitate increased access to home ownership, including additional affordable housing and a new rent-to-buy initiative.

SMALL BUSINESS STRATEGY EXPANSION

$3.2 million over four years to provide continued support for small and family business owners, of which around 40 per cent are women, to accelerate their growth and profitability.

ACCELERATING 3-YEAR-OLD PRESCHOOL COMMISSIONING IN LONG DAY CARE

$27.7 million over four years to accelerate the roll out of 3-year-old preschool in a long day care setting, increasing flexibility for primary caregivers, predominantly women, wanting to re-enter the workforce.

KINDY CARE TRIALS

$3 million over two years for the continuation of current preschool out of school hours care (Kindy Care) trials, improving flexibility in workforce participation for primary caregivers.

EXPANDED SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR PHARMACISTS

$2.2 million over three years to support the implementation of expanded community pharmacy services, providing increased healthcare choice and access.

THE EMBRACE COLLECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

$1.5 million over four years to support the implementation of Embrace programs that aim to help children and young people build positive body image.

FREE PERIOD PRODUCTS FOR TAFE SA STUDENTS

$300 000 in 2025-26 to install more than 140 dispensers in bathrooms to provide TAFE SA students with access to free period products.