Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

Through budget measures and programs such as the UnitingCare project, this government is improving the opportunity for sustainable employment outcomes for all of those in the workforce, and in particular for those who want to be in the workforce. Increasing women's workforce participation and economic empowerment is one of the most powerful ways to improve the country's economic prosperity and living standards.

The ability of a woman to earn an income and participate in work reduces her susceptibility to poverty, to homelessness and, of course, to family violence. That is why we have announced a budget which has women at its heart. It includes our families package, which will deliver a more affordable and accessible childcare system, allowing more Australian women to enter and stay in the workforce; and of course our small business and jobs package, which will support women in small business and encourage more women entrepreneurs.