The Albanese Government reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting the safety of women and girls online at the 2025 HeForShe Summit in New York.
Part of the United Nations High Level Week, HeForShe brings together world leaders, international officials, and industry and civil society representatives to discuss global efforts to confront online gender-based violence, challenge harmful norms and foster inclusive leadership among men and boys.
Representing Australia at the summit, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, acknowledged the significant collective progress made globally towards advancing gender equality, while recognising that more needs to be done.
The Minister highlighted Australia's world-leading Online Safety Act and the crucial work of the eSafety Commissioner in setting a global benchmark in digital safety, including for women and girls - who are harmed online at alarming rates.
The Government's commitment to tackling the serious issue of online gender-based violence and abuse is evidenced by its $10 million Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program, with funding recently announced for 10 community-led projects to protect women and girls from tech-based abuse.
The Government also recently pledged to tackle the rise of nudify apps and stalkerware - another commitment to better protect women, girls and other vulnerable members of our community online.
The Minister also outlined the investment the Albanese Government has made to support women and girls at all levels of sport, including the $200 million Play Our Way program, gender equality governance initiatives and sport integrity measures.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"I'm so proud Australia is a world leader when it comes to online safety - but that doesn't mean there isn't more work for us all to do.
"The HeForShe Summit is a fantastic opportunity for us to share experiences and learn from others in our collective efforts to make the world - online and off - safer for women and girls.
"This era of rapid digital transformation requires quick, strong and coordinated action to prevent harm online, and Australia has shown it is ready to do what it takes to tackle the insidious issue of online gender-based abuse.
"We are also working to empower and inspire women and girls to thrive at all levels of sport, recognising the important role sport can play in shifting cultural norms, building inclusion and driving positive change in our communities."
