The ACT Government's 2025–26 Budget includes targeted investments to improve the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people across the Territory by advancing gender equality and strengthening outcomes in health, safety, economic security, and leadership.
Minister for Women Marisa Paterson said the ACT Government remains committed to ensuring women and girls can thrive in a safe, inclusive and equitable Canberra.
"This Budget continues our focused work to support women's health and wellbeing, boost women's participation in the workforce, and ensure women are safe and supported in their homes and communities," Minister Paterson said.
"Whether it's making period products free and accessible, delivering safe housing for women and children fleeing violence, or investing in scholarships for women in male-dominated industries, we are backing women with practical support where it matters most."
The 2025-26 Budget includes:
- More than $30 million to strengthen responses to domestic, family and sexual violence, including support for Aboriginal-led and culturally appropriate services.
- A significant $38.2 million investment in Active Travel Infrastructure, including works to improve safety in public spaces through better lighting and upgraded pathways.
- Expanded support for women's health, including new perinatal mental health initiatives and continued investment in reproductive and sexual health services.
- A further $60 million investment in improving public housing stock, benefiting the women who make up more than 60% of ACT public housing tenants.
- New infrastructure upgrades, including female-friendly change rooms at 15 sportsgrounds across Canberra.
- A $1.4 million expansion of the Try-a-Trade program to increase the participation of young women in construction.
- Scholarships and education pathways for women in teaching, STEM and renewable energy careers.
The Budget also continues funding for key community organisations such as Roundabout Canberra and A Gender Agenda, while supporting more inclusive early childhood education and urban design through gender-sensitive planning.
Dr Paterson said the Budget builds on the ACT Women's Plan and advances key areas of focus including leadership, economic opportunity and inclusive services.
"The ACT Government is committed to designing and delivering policies and programs that promote gender equity in our community," she said.
"This work must be informed by meaningful consultation and working alongside community partners to deliver real change."
The ACT Women's Budget Statement 2025–26 highlights the ACT Government's ongoing work to ensure every woman and girl, regardless of background, can live free from violence, achieve economic security, and participate fully in our city's future.
Read the ACT Women's Budget Statement 2025–26 here: https://www.treasury.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/2869491/Budget-2025-26-Womens-Budget-Statement.pdf
