Executive Summary (read the full document below):
In alignment with the Australian Government’s National Women’s Alliances program, this election platform outlines strategic actions aimed at advancing women’s safety, economic security, leadership, and equitable access to vital services across Australia.
This platform is not just a list of policy asks—it represents a commitment to transformative, systemic change. We recognise that women experience discrimination, violence, economic insecurity and limited representation in ways that are deeply unequal—and often compounded by intersecting systems. Women in all their diversity—particularly those who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, from migrant, refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, disabled, LGBTIQA+, living in rural, regional, remote and very remote communities, or on temporary visas—face overlapping barriers that are compounded by the way systems interact. Intersectionality is at the heart of our approach: structural inequities across employment, healthcare, justice, and social services must be addressed in an interconnected way.
We also acknowledge that meaningful reform cannot be piecemeal or short-term. Achieving safety, equity and leadership for all women requires governments to invest in long-term systemic redesign, including consistent data collection across priority populations. For example, the Workplace Gender
Equality Agency (WGEA) currently excludes many smaller employers—especially in rural areas—and does not disaggregate data for CALD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women, disabled, or regional women. Without better data, inequities remain invisible.
These actions are grounded in a strengths-based perspective. We centre lived experience and leadership of marginalised women and call for culturally safe, community-led approaches. Women in rural and remote communities face unique forms of disadvantage, from higher rates of gender-based violence to reduced access to healthcare and leadership pathways. Targeted action is not exclusionary—it is essential. When we address gender inequality in all its complexity, we create stronger, fairer systems for everyone.
Addressing gender-based violence and economic equality and security are central to this platform.
As one of six diverse organisations, WWDA is part of the National Women’s Alliances, a powerful coalition advocating for the economic security, safety, and leadership of all women in Australia. We collaborate with policymakers to shape government initiatives that directly impact the lives of women with disabilities. Find out more here.
