Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) acknowledges the Victorian Government's continued commitment to gender equity and women's health in today's budget, while noting concerns about future funding certainty amid the state's financial constraints.
"It's clear from the budget papers that this state continues to be under significant financial pressure," said Kit McMahon, CEO, Women's Health in the South East (WHISE).
"Despite this, we can see the government working to sustain essential services while seeking necessary savings."
Across the social determinants of health and addressing intersectional barriers to wellbeing – the core business of WHISE – the organisation sees important investments continuing.
Health Initiatives
"We welcome the range of new women's health initiatives and significant injection into mental health," said McMahon.
"We are also delighted that the state-wide service that all Women's Health Services across Victoria work with – 1800 My Options – is refunded. This commitment to reproductive health is great to see."
Kit McMahon added, "We warmly welcome the government's ongoing commitment to gender equality and safety through its $2 million investment to continue gender-responsive budgeting, substantial $79.8 million support for Victoria's response to family violence including vital primary prevention work by Respect Victoria, and the crucial $26.5 million allocation for frontline sexual assault support services."
Skills and Education
WHISE, whose leadership and work in vocational education and training has expanded in recent years, also notes specific investment in this sector.
"While it is disappointing that there is no investment directly addressing the drivers of gender inequity in our state's Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, we recognise potential opportunities through new funding to improve student completions and employment outcomes," said McMahon.
"The support for STEM learning programmes, particularly the new tech school in Dandenong, and the pilot at Kangan Batman to use AI for improved recognition of prior learning are notable developments."
Kit McMahon emphasised, "What WHISE understands through our engagement in skills policy and practice locally, state-wide and federally is that without applying a gender lens to investment in VET, we will reinforce our gender-segregated labour market, increase risks to workplace culture, and fail to maximise opportunities for a productive, well, and inclusive workforce."
Looking ahead
"The reality is that we are still to see how women in our region will be impacted by forthcoming cuts to the public sector – both already announced and potentially more through the outcomes of the 'Silver review'," said McMahon.
"We are also mindful that across the family violence, health promotion, and gender equality sector, many contracts and funding that we depend upon expire at the next budget."
With the 2026 State Budget coinciding with the November 2026 Victorian Election, Kit McMahon noted, "WHISE hopes that regardless of political outcomes, the vital progress made in gender equality, intersectional approaches, and women's wellbeing will be sustained."
"The demonstrated impact of the Women's Health Sector on our communities is too important to lose momentum during political transitions."
WHISE will continue to advocate for sustained investment in women's health and gender equality as the government navigates these financial challenges. The organisation remains committed to working collaboratively with government and community partners to ensure all women in the region are safe, well, and thriving.
About us:
Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) is a leading organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women in the south eastern region. With a focus on promoting gender equity, WHISE advocates for women's rights, acess to healthcare services, and leads initiatives to address gender-based violence and gender inequality. By collaborating with stakeholders, WHISE strives to create positive change and ensure every woman has access to comprehensive, inclusive, and high-quality care.
