NSW Gender Impact Assessment Resource Hub

Module A Introduction 

Welcome to “An introduction to gender impact assessments” Module A  

We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Australia, and the oldest continuing culture in human history. We pay respect to Elders past and present and commit to respecting the lands we walk on, and the communities we walk with.

 

Introduction to gender impact assessments and eLearning 

The NSW Government is committed to promoting gender equality through the development of public policy.  

Gender equality is central to our individual wellbeing, the wellbeing of our community, and the performance of our state’s economy.  

To improve gender equality in New South Wales, we need to remove the barriers that prevent women from realising their potential, and we need to better value the economic and social contributions that women make.  

Gender equality is about creating a fairer future for women and girls, and people of all genders. Gender equality benefits everyone in our community.  

While gender equality is everyone’s responsibility, the NSW Government is committed to leading the way. 

Gender impact assessments support the NSW Government in developing policies and programs that create better and fairer outcomes for people of all genders and ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. 

In our role as government employees we have an obligation to provide the evidence and analysis so that decision-makers in NSW can make informed decisions. 

Gender impact assessments can support this obligation. 

From October 2024, agencies are required to complete gender impact assessments on all budget proposals unless exempt. The exemption criteria are detailed in the Gender Impact Assessment Policy.  

This means agencies need to start applying a gender lens to the development of all new policies, programs and projects as soon as practical to examine how the proposal impacts people based on their gender. 

Gender impact assessments can improve government interventions by embedding gender equality considerations into policy design and implementation. 

This training will introduce you to gender impact assessments and give you the information you need to undertake them. The training covers: 

Module A – An introduction to gender impact assessment, including what it is and why it’s important. 

Module B – How to complete a gender impact assessment – Part 1.  

This module will cover question 1 in the gender impact assessment process and help you to gather your own data and evidence. 

Module C - How to complete a gender impact assessment – Part 2.  

This module will take you through questions 2 to 6 in the process, supporting you with practical tips and examples. 

We’ll be looking closely at how gender inequality plays out in our lives. We recognise that learning about this topic can be uncomfortable. 

This training isn’t timed. Take a break if you need to.  

We encourage you to reach out if you need support. These are some confidential sources of support available to you, including Lifeline, 1800RESPECT, 13YARN, the NSW Mental Health Line and your Employee Assistance Program.

 

Key definitions 

Before we start – let’s go through some key definitions.  

Did you know that sex and gender don’t mean the same thing? Sex refers to the biological traits associated with male, female and intersex people.  

And Gender is a social construct. It refers to the social roles, norms and behaviours associated with women, men, and gender-diverse people. 

Gender shapes the way we experience the world, how we perceive others and how they perceive us. It’s expressed in different ways, across different cultures and changes over time. 

We’re using inclusive language – so when we refer to ‘women’ or ‘men’, we mean all people who identify as that gender, including transgender and cisgender people. 

And ‘gender diverse people’ includes those who identify as non-binary, transgender or any other term within the spectrum between the binaries of woman and man.

 

What is gender inequality? 

And what do we mean by gender inequality? 

Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment and opportunities experienced by individuals based on their gender. It’s a pervasive form of inequality that affects societies worldwide, and it intersects with other forms of inequality such as race, ethnicity, disability, age and sexual orientation. 

Gender inequality may be embedded in the systems that our society is built on – including our education, health, justice and welfare systems.  Consider our superannuation system which is linked to full-time earnings. Because women are more likely to be in and out of the workforce due to caring responsibilities, and earning less, there’s a significant gender gap in retirement savings. 

Gender inequality is embedded within institutional or organisational cultures such as in the workplace. Consider the practices that all leadership roles should be full-time or that flexible work is only for working mothers. 

There’s also a collective layer – the social norms that are held by our community. Such as the stereotype that ‘boys don’t cry’ or the idea that certain jobs are for men – like construction – or nursing for women. 

Gender inequality exists in our interpersonal relationships, and we see this manifested in domestic violence. Gender inequality is a root cause of violence against women.  We also see this in everyday sexism in the workplace – such as the idea that a colleague will take the minutes in a meeting or clean up after a morning tea – because she’s a woman. 

Gender inequality is also internalised – these are the beliefs that people sometimes hold about their role in society, what they can achieve and how they can express themselves because of their gender. When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? To what extent was this shaped by gender norms?

 

Is gender inequality still an issue? 

Gender inequality has important economic and social implications.  

The different layers of gender inequality impact the NSW economy in different ways. 

While our perceptions around leadership are slowly changing, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across the private and public sector.  

Social norms reinforce that certain occupations and industries better suit women or men. This disparity in the gender composition across NSW industries hasn’t materially improved in the past four decades. The health care, education and retail sectors have become increasingly female-dominated – while the mining, construction and electricity sectors have made only minor gains in increasing the number of women. 

Women also continue to carry out a disproportionate share of unpaid care work in NSW. This is linked to gendered expectations that women should be primary caregivers. 

This also has implications for the NSW workforce. Women’s labour force participation is rising but the gap in workforce participation between women and men remains. This gap increases further for women who face other forms of discrimination such as for First Nations, regional, and older women. 

A disproportionate number of women also work part-time compared to men.  

The gender pay gap is the difference between women’s and men’s full-time average earnings. It’s driven by the interplay of gender discrimination, caring and family responsibilities, and gender segregation within different industries and occupations.  

The gender pay gap contributes to women’s lower lifetime economic security – resulting in women having lower average superannuation compared to men. This is the case across every age group.  

As you can see – when you’re looking for at it – gender inequality is having a big impact on how our NSW economy operates. 

For current data on these economic indicators, check the NSW Gender Impact Assessment Resource Hub and the NSW Gender Equality Dashboard.

 

Gender inequality impacts people differently 

Another important concept of gender equality is intersectionality. Intersectionality recognises that women don’t all experience gender inequality in the same way – and this is key to understanding how inclusion and exclusion play out across society. 

Let’s hear Dr. Emma Fulu from The Equality Institute explain intersectionality: 

Intersectionality is a really important concept, and we want to get it right. I know it's a buzz word, you've probably heard it used around but the question is, what does it actually mean? I can't explain this in a single sentence because it's incredibly complicated and some people just think intersectionality is about diversity and about listening to different experiences but it's not.  

Intersectionality is about systems of oppression and changing those systems of oppression so ending racism, addressing homophobia, addressing sexism together. That's what intersectionality is about. 

So I want to unpack the concept of intersectionality, using an example. I'm going to use the example of violence against women. 

Violence against women occurs in every country on earth. No culture, age group, religious group, is immune. 

Women experience violence because of their gender, and gender inequality creates the underlying conditions that enable violence to occur. 

But some people and communities are at greater risk of experiencing violence. 

For example, two in 5 women with a disability have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. 

Women living in remote and rural areas are more likely to experience violence than those in capital cities. 

And Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are significantly more likely to be hospitalised due to violence than non-Indigenous women. The list goes on. 

So what's going on here? Why are some people more likely to experience violence? This is where the concept of intersectionality is key. It's not that certain groups of people are inherently more violent or inherently more vulnerable… 

…it’s that we still live within a society with racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia and other forms of oppression. 

These systems of discrimination and disadvantage intersect with gender inequality to make some people more likely to experience violence. 

So as an example, gender inequality intersects with ableism, which results in women with disability experiencing higher rates of violence against women. 

So this results in higher rates of violence being perpetrated against particular women and gender-diverse people, often in complex ways with severe impacts. And it also means that they often face barriers in accessing support. So why does this even matter? If we just looked at gender inequality on its own, that's not going to work for most women, because most women don't experience that on it’s own. 

Taking an intersectional approach matters. 

When we look deeper into the data we can see why applying an intersectional approach to policy-making matters. It helps us to see that gender inequality isn’t experienced in the same way by everyone. 

For example, data shows that First Nations women are three times more likely to be victims of domestic and family violence than non-Indigenous women.  

First Nations women also have a  lower workforce participation rate in NSW compared to non-Indigenous women and First Nations men.  

In the 2021 Census, the workforce participation rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females in New South Wales was 56 per cent, compared to 59 per cent for non-Indigenous females. 

Considering the particular needs of First Nations women and other women at higher risk of different types of discrimination – is crucial to design effective and culturally safe solutions. 

Now that we understand some of the key concepts, let’s delve deeper into what we mean by gender impact assessment.

 

So, what is a gender impact assessment?  

A gender impact assessment considers how a proposed policy, program or project will meet the needs of people based on their gender – this includes women, men and gender diverse people.  

The aim of gender impact assessments is to create better and fairer outcomes and ensure all people have equal access to opportunities and resources. 

Where possible, a gender impact assessment should highlight how intersecting aspects of a person’s identity affect the way they experience a proposed initiative.  

These intersecting elements could include: 

• First Nations identity 

• Cultural and racial background 

• Socio economic background 

• Gender identity and expression 

• Sexual orientation 

• Disability and age. 

A simple way to think about a gender impact assessment is the idea of putting on a gender lens. 

Everyone has their own lens, based on their own life experience. You notice different things because of your own experience, your knowledge, and your reality. This is your lens.  

But the thing to understand about lenses – is that we often don’t realise we have them. They’re invisible to us because they’ve always been there… and they can have a powerful impact.  

Applying a gender lens means to carefully and deliberately examine all the implications of our work in terms of gender. 

This means paying attention to the ways in which men, women and gender diverse people experience an issue and how they would benefit from or access government policies, programs or projects.

 

But why does this matter? 

Policies and programs are often designed around data and perspectives which may not explicitly consider the needs, skills and experiences of women and gender diverse people.  

Because of the way gender inequality is baked into our systems and structures – if you’re not intentionally applying a gender lens to the development of policies and programs you could unintentionally entrench discrimination which could cause harm. 

You may be surprised to learn that not applying a gender lens can have serious consequences… 

When a woman is involved in a car crash, she is more likely than a man to be seriously injured. One of the reasons for this is because safety systems in cars have typically been designed using the male body as the default.   

Gendered impacts are everywhere – they show up in policies, programs, legislation, products and services.  

Car safety, medical research, personal protective equipment, air conditioning temperature, and voice recognition software provide examples of design using data based on the male experience.   Search online for gender gaps in any of these areas to gain an understanding of how design can unintentionally exclude women.

 

What are the benefits of a gender impact assessment?  

Taking gender into account ensures that policies, programs and projects are designed to be more responsive to the needs of everyone in the community. And this leads to more effective resource allocation. 

So now that we know why gender impact assessment matters, let’s learn about how to complete a gender impact assessment. 

Modules B and C will take you through the gender impact assessment process. 

Module B introduction 

Welcome to Module B How to complete a gender impact assessment– Part 1.  

In this Module we’re going to focus on how to complete a gender impact assessment.  

In Module A you learnt what a gender impact assessment is and why it’s important – you should watch Module A before you continue here. 

 

Gender impact assessment template 

We’ll explain how to collect the data and evidence you need to carry out the gender impact assessment and will show you how to complete Question 1 of the gender impact assessment template. 

Before we begin, I’d like to introduce you to the NSW Gender Impact Assessment Resource Hub. These resources will save you time when you complete a gender impact assessment. 

You can find the Gender Impact Assessment template together with example case studies, guidance materials and data sources. 

We also recommend you open the template for easy reference as you work through this module.  

There are 6 questions to complete in the gender impact assessment template.  

In Question 1, you’ll look at the issue and analyse how the issue might affect women, men or gender diverse people differently. 

In Question 2, you’ll focus on the proposal and consider the expected positive impacts on women, men or gender diverse people. 

In Question 3, you’ll identify any potential risks, barriers or limitations of the proposal on women, men or gender diverse people and identify options to these mitigate these. 

In Question 4, you’ll select the gender equality indicators supported by the proposal. 

In Question 5, you’ll identify any knowledge gaps about the gendered impacts of the issue. 

And in Question 6, you’ll consider how to collect data to monitor or evaluate the gendered impacts of the proposal. 

To complete Questions 1, 2 and 3 of the gender impact assessment template you’ll need to gather data and evidence to understand the gendered impacts of the issue and how the proposal might respond to these. 

 

Gathering data and evidence 

So, let’s talk about where you might find this evidence. 

When you’re thinking about the evidence it’s helpful to ask: 

• Do you already have the information you need?  
• If not, where could you find it?  

As a starting point, look at the NSW Gender Impact Assessment Resource Hub, where you’ll find useful data sources, and possibly a case study on a similar issue. 

It’s also useful to talk to others in your team and across agencies. A colleague may have worked on a gender impact assessment on a similar issue and be able to give you some ideas for useful data sources. 

There are 3 main types of data you can use for the gender impact assessment:  

• internal data sources 
• desktop research and  
• meaningful stakeholder engagement. 

As you locate evidence, it’s important to note the data sources – like the website link or the article reference – and record them in the template. 

As you’re looking for evidence, you may find there are data gaps in some areas.  

As we discussed in Module A, data relating to women and gender diverse people may be limited or not be available, and there may be gaps – particularly in relation to intersectional data. 

If you have any areas where you can’t find data, record this in Question 5 of the template.  

This is a good opportunity to expand the collection of disaggregated data in your agency. If you see a gap – point it out!  

 

Data types 

Now let’s look at the three different data types. 

Consider the internal data collected by your agency – is there any data disaggregated by gender or by other identity attributes? 

Internal data may include: 

• previously commissioned research and policy reports 
• project and program evaluation reports 
• complaints handling data 
• customer and end-user data (including from social media) 
• and consultation and policy submissions on a similar issue.  

You might also find a survey has been conducted on an issue similar to the proposal. For example, if the proposal is focused on transport or urban infrastructure development, a previous survey of transport usage or perceptions of safety in the area disaggregated by gender is a good starting point.  

Desktop research is a review of existing research.  

Outside of your agency good sources for gender-specific information include the: 

• NSW Gender Equality Dashboard 
• the Australian Bureau of Statistics 
• the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 
• and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. 

Comparing different data sets can give you an idea of the bigger picture. For instance, if the proposal was on mental health, you could compare gender-disaggregated data on the use of services with population level data on mental health needs. 

If you have difficulty finding NSW-focused data, look to other Australian state or international data sources, which might provide evidence of trends you can explore further in the gender impact assessment.  

For example, UN Women has a global gender data hub and you’ll find many UN resources related to the gendered impacts of climate change. 

 

Stakeholder engagement 

Also consider if there are avenues to gather perspectives directly from women and diverse communities to build your understanding of the context, such as research made by and for community groups.  

When we’re seeking to understand the gendered impact of an issue – it’s important to actively seek out the perspectives, knowledge and experiences of women, men and gender diverse people. 

This creates a more empowering space for all members of the NSW community to take part in planning and building responsive public policy and services. 

When you’re thinking about who to consult with ask: 

• Have you engaged with the potential ‘users’ of the policy, program or project?  
• Have you spoken with local women’s organisations or peak bodies that represent diverse groups? This may help to identify barriers and impacts you haven’t considered. 
• Do the stakeholders you’re engaging represent the level of diversity seen in the population who are impacted by the issue? If not, you could be missing valuable insights.  

For example, if the proposal aims to increase household access to renewable energy – consultation in urban and regional areas would be important. You would also need to consider how to consult with those most at risk of energy poverty – including low income households, people with a disability, single individuals and single parent families.  

How you engage with people is just as important as who is engaged.  

How will you ensure stakeholder engagement is accessible?  

Consider things like the time of day, venue accessibility, interpretation services and the limitations of online consultation. Also think about how you will respect and create space for participants’ own contextual knowledge and lived experiences, and how you’ll share the outcomes with participating stakeholders. 

If there isn’t time for meaningful stakeholder engagement, you should consider: 

• Previous consultations  
• Talking to peak body or local community organisations  
• Establishing an advisory group or other mechanism to capture diverse gender perspectives and ideas  
• Recommending, as part of the gender impact assessment, that stakeholder engagement forms part of the initial stages of the proposal’s implementation. 

Now that we’ve looked at how to gather data and evidence, let’s focus on what you need to know. 

 

Question 1 

Question 1 in the gender impact assessment template is all about understanding the gendered impacts of the issue the proposal is focused on.  

Firstly, consider – what’s the problem the proposal is aiming to address?  

Now let’s ask – how might this issue affect people of different genders differently?  

For example: 

If the proposal is focused on a project to respond to homelessness, you will be asking how homelessness can impact people of different genders and what different supports might be needed.  

And if the proposal is focused on grants for community sport, you might consider how gender inequality affects community sport – including participation and use of sporting facilities – and how community sport can promote gender equality. 

While a policy proposal might appear gender neutral on the surface, it can inadvertently reinforce gender inequalities or overlook the specific needs of people due to their gender.  

For instance, investment in a new bike path may appear gender neutral as it benefits all users in the community. But women may have additional safety concerns such as the need for better lighting and exit points along the path.  

The aim of this question is to challenge any assumptions that people are impacted the same way by the issue the proposal is seeking to address  

Take a moment to consider the problem the proposal is seeking a solution for. 

Now ask: 

• What are the different ways women, men and gender diverse people access and experience the issue? 
• Do people have different needs due to their gender? 

Think back to Module A and what we learnt about gender equality. How might the different social norms, roles and responsibilities that people take on affect access and use. Do people of different genders have access to the same decision-making power in relation to this issue? 

We also need to apply an intersectional lens, so ask: 

• Do intersecting characteristics such as race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or identity, age or socio-economic background impact on these experiences and needs? 

Take a moment to think of any other questions you might ask to understand the gendered impacts of the issue.  

Now you have a list of questions. Use data and evidence to answer them.  

Summarise the findings under Question 1 in the template. Have a look at the gender impact assessment case studies in the resource hub for examples of how to do this. 

Don’t forget to reference all data sources as you complete the template. 

And if you can’t find data to answer all the questions fully, make sure this is noted in question 5 of the template. 

Ideally you will complete Question 1 of your gender impact assessment as early as practical in the design phase of the proposal. This will enable you to use the data and evidence to design the proposal so it considers the needs and experiences of people of all genders, and reduces any barriers or risks. 

Now you understand the issues, you’re ready to apply this to the proposal in questions 2 and 3. 

 

 

Module C introduction 

Welcome to Module C How to complete a gender impact assessment – Part 2  

In the previous modules you learnt about what a gender impact assessment is, how to collect the data and evidence you need and the questions to ask to learn more about the gendered impacts of the issue. 

You should watch Modules A and B, before this one. 

In this module we complete Questions 2 to 6. 

 

Question 2 

Question 2 focuses on the proposal and understanding the expected positive gender impacts. 

Here you’ll draw on what the data and evidence told you about the gendered impacts of the issue in Question 1. 

In assessing the positive gender impacts of the proposal, the template prompts you to consider three themes: 

1. Economic opportunity and advancement: 
   Will it increase the economic security of women, men or gender diverse people by promoting equal access to employment and career advancement? Will it reduce the gender pay gap, promote workforce inclusivity, or improve access to paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements for men? 
    
2. Health and wellbeing:
   Will it support women, men and gender diverse people’s quality of life, safety, and mental and physical health needs? Consider if it will promote safe relationships and communities, raise awareness of the specific health needs for different genders, or offer access to safe housing.
    
3. Participation and empowerment:
   Will it challenge gender roles, stereotypes and biases? For example, does it support women, men or gender diverse people to enter certain jobs or industries they were previously discouraged from, or challenge gender norms around unpaid care?  

List all the positive impacts you think may result from the proposal for women, men or gender diverse people in Question 2 of the template. You can do this by theme. 

It’s not enough to say that the proposal doesn’t have any gendered impacts – you need to justify this using data and evidence.  

 

Question 3 

Now in Question 3 it’s time to consider any risks, barriers or limitations that the proposal may have for people of different genders.  

Look back at the data and evidence you’ve collected. What does this tell you about any potential risks, barriers, or ways the proposal may reinforce harmful gender norms? 

For example, if the proposal is focused on a male dominated sector, such as a large-scale construction project, and evidence shows that women when compared to men are far more likely to report sexual harassment in this sector, how can the proposal influence safe and respectful work practices? 

Or if the proposal is about drought response and evidence shows women are under-represented in environmental management – how can the proposal promote the participation of women from diverse backgrounds in environmental decision-making? 

Look at the potential risks, barriers or limitations you’ve identified – what can be done in response? 

What changes can you make to the design or implementation of the proposal to mitigate the impacts of these risks? 

To improve the proposal consider: 

• procurement processes 
• leadership opportunities and decision-making 
• recruitment strategies and workforce training 
• stakeholder engagement and consultation.  

Don't forget to assess the impact from an intersectional lens as well.  

 

Question 4 

Question 4 of the template asks you to identify whether the proposal supports any gender equality indicators. 

The template lists a range of indicators.  

Gender equality indicators help us to identify progress towards gender equality. Choose one or two of the most relevant indicators for the proposal.  

Looking back at Question 2 and the expected positive impacts you identified, is a useful way to identify the most relevant indicator. 

 

Question 5  

Now we come to Questions 5 and 6. These steps are designed to help build the evidence base across the NSW Government in relation to gender equality. 

Here you should note any knowledge gaps identified through the gender impact assessment.  

For example, did you have any problems accessing information to help inform the issue?  

Did you find data, but it wasn’t gender disaggregated?  

Was it difficult to find intersectional data on the issue?  

Was it difficult to find data to understand the experiences of gender diverse people? 

Write down any data gaps you identified in Question 5 of the template. 

 

Question 6 

Can the proposal include any actions to help address this knowledge gap? 

For example, collecting and monitoring data that is gender disaggregated or including a plan for further stakeholder engagement as part of implementation of the proposal. 

Question 6 focuses on monitoring and evaluation.  

Monitoring and evaluation actions are important for tracking if the proposal has had any unintended negative outcomes or has achieved the expected positive impacts you identified in Question 2. 

There’s a selection of actions in the template that you may wish to include in the evaluation plan. 

For example, you may wish to prepare case studies, develop gender-specific indicators or include gender expertise in the evaluation team.  

You should also review the NSW Evaluation Policy and Guidelines which provide best practice advice for monitoring and evaluation.  

Evaluations or progress updates can also be included in your Department’s Gender Equality Action Plan annual reports. 

 

Final step 

The final step is to summarise the results of the gender impact assessment process.  

This is a high-level summary and will be used for reporting purposes. 

You should answer the following questions: 

• Will the proposal likely have positive, neutral or adverse impacts on gender equality?  

On the screen (or below) you can see some examples of positive and adverse impacts. Do any of these apply to the proposal?

Examples of positive impacts	Examples of adverse impacts
Contributes to a culture of promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women. Ensures equitable access to decision-making for women, men and gender diverse people. Delivers more effective and accessible services for women, men and gender diverse people. Responds to the specific needs of women, men and gender diverse people.	Identifies barriers to gender equality but does not address them and may lead to further gender inequalities. Perpetuates inequitable access to resources for women, men and gender diverse people. Reinforces gender stereotypes and norms. Does not apply an intersectional lens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should summarise the positive impacts you identified in Question 2. You should also consider any adverse impacts you identified in Question 3. 

If you haven’t identified any positive impacts, or if the adverse impacts outweigh the positive impacts and you haven’t mitigated these risks, then the proposal could have an adverse impact on gender equality. 

Your summary should also include any changes which have been made to the proposal as a result of the gender impact assessment. For example, did you change the design of the proposal in any way by including additional actions for specific groups or mitigating measures for specific risks? 

You should also describe how any gendered outcomes of the proposal will be monitored. See Question 6 to inform this. 

 

You have finished your gender impact assessment 

You’ve now completed all components of the gender impact assessment process.  

You should include your findings in the business case, including in the distributional analysis, if this is applicable. 

Submit the completed gender impact assessment to your NSW Treasury Relationship Lead as an attachment to the budget proposal. 

You can also play a key role advocating for the importance of gender impact assessments within your team and your agency. 

NSW Treasury is here to support you in your gender impact assessment journey. Please visit the Resource Hub on the NSW Treasury website for further guidance. 

Contact us directly via the contact details available on the Hub.  

We hope you see the benefit of putting this training into action as we work towards a more equitable world for women, men and gender diverse people in NSW.  

 

While a policy proposal might appear gender neutral on the surface, it can inadvertently reinforce gender inequalities or overlook the specific needs of people due to their gender. For instance, investment in a new bike path may appear gender neutral as it benefits all users in the community, regardless of gender. However, women may have additional safety concerns such as the need for better lighting and exit points along the path.  

Gender impact assessments can help challenge assumptions that all people will benefit from new proposals in the same way and highlight instances where the needs of different genders should be considered in policy design. 

NSW Treasury will consider gender impact assessments as part of the evidence base for NPPs. Where practical, gender analysis will be incorporated in information provided to ERC, such as Treasury advice or agency submissions, to inform decision-making. 

 

Yes. Proposals outside the NSW Budget process do not require gender impact assessments but agencies are encouraged to apply a gender lens to other processes, where appropriate, including procurement, expenditure reviews and grants.

It is important to note that funding decisions must be considered in the budget process by the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet, unless considered strictly urgent and unavoidable, unforeseeable at the time of the budget, and cannot be accommodated within existing resources.  

 

No. Gender impact assessments are required for NPPs only.

 

No. However, agencies are strongly encouraged to complete gender impact assessments for NPPs under $10 million, particularly for proposals that clearly require gender-based considerations. 

 

Yes, if the proposal satisfies the eligibility criteria for both the gender impact assessment and the First Nations impact assessment, you are required to complete both. The impact assessment processes are separate and have a different focus.

• The gender impact assessment considers new policy proposals from a gender lens, focusing on how the proposed policy, program or project may have different impacts on people based on their gender.
• A First Nations impact assessment is specifically tailored towards understanding the unique impacts of the proposal on First Nations communities.

There may be some duplication in the responses where there is overlap between gender and First Nations lenses, as both impact assessments encourage an intersectional approach. However, the answers provided in the gender impact assessment can be referenced in the First Nations impact assessment and vice versa to avoid duplication.

 

No, one gender impact assessment can be completed for the proposal. Analysis can be included within the gender impact assessment on the individual initiatives within a proposal. There is guidance available on the NSW Treasury website on how to complete a gender impact assessment for proposals that contain multiple initiatives.  

 

Conducting a gender impact assessment forms part of good policy development. There are no additional resources available for agencies to complete gender impact assessments. 

 

Yes. Gender impact assessments can be included as an attachment to business cases and referenced within the contents of a business case.

 

Distributional analysis disaggregates the overall impacts of an initiative (and its various options) to indicate which groups bear costs or receive benefits.

While distributional analysis focuses on the outcome of an initiative, gender impact assessments focus on the different needs of women, men and gender diverse people to improve the design of government policy and programs to be effective in achieving the intended outcome. A gender impact assessment is a qualitative assessment that complements, but does not duplicate, distributional analysis.

Analysis conducted in a gender impact assessment may help inform the distributional analysis conducted in a business case.

NSW Treasury will consider gender impact assessments as part of the evidence base for NPPs. Where practical, gender analysis will be incorporated in information provided to ERC, such as Treasury advice or agency submissions, to inform decision-making.

 

Potentially, if the proposal is supported by the NSW Government. Some case studies of gender impact assessments may be published in a Gender Equality Budget Statement. Examples can be found in the 2024-25 Gender Equality Budget Statement. Selected case studies will be discussed and developed with the agency owners of the proposal.

Proposals that are not supported remain Cabinet-in-Confidence and their gender impact assessments will not be published.

Gender disaggregated data: 

• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): People: ABS data on people. See People and communities for information on different groups and Gender indicators for key economic and social indicators comparing males and females. 
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): A range of data and reports for the health, community services and housing assistance sectors. See Men & women Overview for health information by gender and sex. See Family, domestic and sexual violence for information on family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia. See Population groups for information by demographic (includes children and youth, culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations, LGBTIQ+, gender and mothers and babies)     
• Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR): See Domestic violence, Sexual assault, Disability, Aboriginal over-representation, and Young people. 
• Data.NSW: An open portal to 16320 datasets throughout NSW State Government 
• Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey: A household-based panel study that collects information about economic and personal wellbeing, labour market dynamics and family life. 
• NSW Gender Equality Dashboard: The NSW Gender Equality Dashboard is an interactive tool that makes valuable data collected by Women NSW more easily accessible to researchers, policy and decision makers and the general public. Find up-to-date data on women in NSW in the areas of economic opportunity and advancement, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment 
• National Centre for Vocational Education Research: Research and statistics on the Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector. 
• NSW Education Data Hub: Open data portal that provides information on key education data. 
• NSW Workforce Profile reports: The Workforce Profile includes demographic information such as age, gender and diversity group cmembership, and employment information such as hours worked, leave patterns, remuneration, and mobility within the NSW public sector. 
• OECD Gender Data Portal:  Includes selected indicators of gender inequalities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, health, development and governance of OECD member countries. 
• The Sex, Gender and COVID-19 Project: The world’s largest database of sex-disaggregated data on COVID-19. It is accompanied by the Sex, Gender and COVID-19 Health Policy Portal, the most comprehensive analysis of the integration of sex and gender in national COVID-19 health policies. 
• The World Bank's Gender Data Portal: Gender statistics accessible through data visualisations to improve the understanding of gender data and facilitate analyses that inform policy choices. 
• Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Data Explorer: The Data Explorer contains statistics on the gender pay gap, workforce participation, women in leadership and actions to improve workplace gender equality in Australia. The data is based on reports from more than 4,000 employers covering more than 4 million employees. 

Gender lens frameworks: 

• Gender-based Analysis Plus: Gender-based Analysis Plus is an analytical process created by the Status of Women Canada to analyse the gendered aspects of Canadian government policy. 
• Gender wise toolkit: This online resource has been designed by Australians Investing in Women to support grant makers to successfully apply a gender lens. 
• Gender-Responsive Policymaking Handbook: A quick reference guide for integrating gender into each phase of the policymaking process. 

Gender equality: 

• Diversity Council Australia 
• Gender equality and intersecting forms of diversity
• 2024-25 NSW Budget – Gender Equality Budget Statement
• NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026
• Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA)
• Women’s Opportunity Statement 2022-23

Women in the workplace and leadership:

• Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL): GIWL is a multi-disciplinary research institute that brings together expertise across academic disciplines and fields in the areas of workplace gender equality and women's leadership. 
• Grattan Institute
• The Gender Equality in Working Life (GEWL) Research Initiative: The GEWL Research Initiative offers unique, research-informed insights, developed using new workplace data, to produce targeted and effective gender equality interventions. 

Gender industry and occupational segregation:

• Gender segregation in Australia's workforce
• STEM Equity Monitor

Women in entrepreneurship:

• Policy Brief on Women’s Entrepreneurship

First Nations women:

• Close the Gap (2022)
• Closing the Gap 
• Gari Yala (Speak the Truth): Gendered Insights: Examines the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women inside Australian workplaces. 
• Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women's Voices): Securing Our Rights, Securing Our Future Report
• Wiyi Yani U Thangani First Nations Women’s Safety Policy Forum Outcomes Report November 2022

Culturally and linguistically diverse women:

• Diversity Council Australia
• Intersectionality Matters: A new resource for preventing violence against women
• Leading for Change A blueprint for cultural diversity and inclusive leadership revisited
• Women of Colour Australia

Women of different ages:

• Carers in the workplace
• Older women: Inequality at the intersection of age and gender
• Wages and Ages: Mapping the Gender Pay Gap by Age

Women with disability:

• Communicate and consult with people with a disability
• Preventing Violence against Women and Girls with Disabilities: Integrating A Human Rights Perspective

Regional Women:

• National Rural Women’s Coalition

LGBTQIA+ people:

• ACON
• Equality Australia
• Intersex Human Rights Australia
• LGBTQI Health Australia
• NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022-2027
• NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022-2027 Summary of Evidence
• Trans and gender diverse people health and social needs assessment

Domestic, family and sexual violence is a gendered issue, women are disproportionately more likely to experience domestic and family and sexual violence. One in four NSW women have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner since the age of 15 compared to 1 in 8 men. 

Women who experience intersecting forms of disadvantage are more likely to experience domestic and family violence (DFV). For example, First Nations women are three times more likely to be victims of DFV than non-Indigenous women. Despite efforts to address domestic, family and sexual violence, this issue persists, reflected in a 5.5 per cent increase in domestic violence assaults in NSW in the two years to March 2024.

General data:

• ANROWS: Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) is a national research organisation which produces evidence to support the reduction of violence against women and children. 
• Attitudes matter: The 2021 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS), Findings for Australia, ANROWS: This report outlines the results from the 2021 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey. 
• Family, domestic and sexual violence data in Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s report of family, domestic and sexual violence data in Australia, and data changes over time. 
• OurWatch: Our Watch drives nationwide change in culture, behaviours and power imbalances to prevent violence against women and children. Our Watch has a variety of resources to help organisations address gendered violence. 
• Personal Safety, Australia, 2021-22 financial year, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): ABS statistics on rates of physical and sexual assault, family and domestic violence, economic and emotional abuse, stalking, sexual harassment and childhood abuse. 
• Quick facts about violence against women, OurWatch: Webpage with a range of statistics and data on violence against women in Australia. 
• Sexual assault in Australia, Summary, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report draws together a range of available data sources to provide a national summary of the extent, nature and impact of sexual assault.  
• Sexual violence, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s overview of sexual violence in Australia. The webpage includes data, trends over time, impacts of sexual violence and responses to sexual violence. 
• Sexual Violence – Victimisation, Australian Bureau of Statistics: Statistics about sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, including characteristics of victim-survivors, victimisation rates, and police reporting. 
• Sexual violence, 2021-22 financial year, Australian Bureau of Statistics: ABS Statistics on female experiences of sexual assault, including victimisation rates, socio-demographics, incident characteristics and responses. 
• Trends in Domestic & Family violence – quarterly Mar 2024, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research: Quarterly update on DFV recorded by the NSW Police Force. Includes trends in recorded domestic violence related criminal incidents, police enforcement and victim survivor characteristics. 

Intersectional data:

• Intimate partner violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer communities, Australian Institute of Family Studies: Australian Institute of Family Studies practice guide on intimate partner violence in LGBTIQA+ communities. 
• Population groups - Family, domestic and sexual violence, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare key findings on family, domestic and sexual violence for various population groups (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children and young people, young women, pregnant people, mothers and their children, older people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veteran families). 
• What works? A qualitative exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing programs that respond to family violence, 2024, ANROWS: Research report which aims to determine “what works” in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing programs from the perspectives of the people who deliver, use and are impacted by those programs. 

Perpetrators of domestic, family and sexual violence:

• Perpetration of sexual violence in a community sample of adult Australians, 2024, Australian Institute of Criminology: this study examines the rate of sexual violence perpetration in a community sample of adult Australians, finding that just over one in five respondents reported having perpetrated one or more of the forms of sexual violence since turning 18 years of age. 
• Sexual Assault – Perpetrators, Australian Bureau of Statistics: ABS Sexual assault statistics for offenders proceeded against by police, criminal court outcomes for defendants, and prisoners in adult custody. 
• Who uses domestic, family, and sexual violence, how, and why?, 2022, Queensland University of Technology: This report provides a focused examination of violence perpetration, in order to enhance national efforts to end domestic, family and sexual violence. 

Economic and workplace impacts of domestic and family violence:

• Aftershock: Report Two – Domestic and Family Violence, 2022, Impact Economics and Policy: This report looks at the increasing rates of domestic and family violence in NSW, and the associated economic costs. It makes a number of recommendations for increased investment to address these costs and reduce the long-term impacts of the increase in violence. 
• A high price to pay: the economic case for preventing violence against women, 2015, PWC and OurWatch: This report estimates the costs and benefits of preventing violence against women as well as analysing the effectiveness of different prevention strategies. 
• Domestic violence and women's economic security: Building Australia’s capacity for prevention and redress: Final report, 2016, ANROWS: This report builds on the ANROWS Landscapes paper Building effective policies and services to promote women’s economic security following domestic violence: State of knowledge paper that discusses how economic abuse is a frequent, yet under-researched tactic of violence. This report includes new statistical analysis and qualitative evidence on how domestic violence contributes to financial stress among Australian women. 
• Examining the impact of domestic and family violence across Australian workplaces and the need for improved workplace supports, 2022, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre: This study undertook a national survey of DFV victim-survivors who had worked in Australia to capture victim-survivors’ views on how their experiences of DFV impacted their employment, and the workplace response they received, if any. 
• Research reports, Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work, The University of Sydney Business School: The Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work provides expertise on gender, work and care. The reports cover a variety of areas including gendered disrespect and sexual harassment in retail to overarching strategies for building gender equality in the work.  
• Supporting women to find and keep jobs following domestic violence, ANROWS, UNSW Social Policy Research Centre: This resource outlines how employment services can help women experiencing DFV achieve and sustain employment outcomes.  
• The cost of violence against women and their children, 2016, KMPG: This report estimates the cost of violence against women and children. 

Domestic and family violence impacts on housing:

• Domestic and family violence, housing insecurity and homelessness, 2019, ANROWS: This paper examines the intersection of housing insecurity and homelessness and DFV, including recommendations for policy and practice. 
• Housing outcomes after domestic and family violence, 2019, AHURI: This report outlines the impact of domestic and family violence on housing outcomes, further examining how housing support for vulnerable families can best be integrated with other forms of support to improve safety and wellbeing. 
• Nowhere to go - The benefits of providing long term social housing to women that have experienced domestic and family violence, 2021, Equity Economics: This report explores the benefits of providing long-term social housing to women that have experienced DFV. 

Workforce and funding of domestic, family and sexual violence sector:

• Family, domestic and sexual violence workforce, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This page provides data on the family, domestic and sexual violence workforce. 
• NSW Sexual Violence Plan and NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan, Communities and Justice: The NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027 and the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022-2027  provides the NSW Government with strategic direction to prevent and respond to domestic, family and sexual violence from 2022–2027.  

Primary prevention:

• National Primary Prevention Hub, OurWatch: Our Watch’s primary prevention hub contains reports and forum outcomes papers that explore key activities and opportunities for primary prevention across Australia. 
• Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024–2028: This report outlines NSW’s Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence from 2024–2028. It has 3 priorities: progressing prevention action in priority settings, supporting Aboriginal-led prevention and building centralised supports and the evidence base. 

 

Participation in sport has exponential health, psychological, economic and community benefits for all Australians. However, despite increasing interest in watching and playing women’s elite sports in Australia, there remain barriers for women and trans and gender-diverse people’s full and equal participation in sport.

General data

• AusPlay Data Portal, Australian Sports Commission: AusPlay provides national, state and territory data on almost 400 different participation sports and activities in Australia and who is participating in them. 
• AUSPLAY National Sport and Physical Activity Participation Report, 2023, Australian Sports Commission: This report summarises raw data from the Ausplay Data Portal. Updated in 2023, it presents a high-level overview of participation among key demographic groups in Australia. 
• Clearinghouse for Sport: Clearinghouse for Sport is an Information and knowledge sharing platform for Australian Sport. 
• Inclusive Sport, Australian Sports Commission: Australian Sports Commission provides research and evidence on the benefits of inclusion in sports with a focus on anti-racism.  
• NSW Gender Equality Dashboard, NSW Government: See health and wellbeing dashboard for high level statistics on physical activity levels.  
• NSW State Sporting Organisation Survey Health Results, Office of Sport: This resource provides data on the self-reported responses from State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for people with disabilities. 

Strategies and plans 

• Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy, Play Well: Play Well 2024-2032 is Australia’s national sports participation strategy which provides an 8-year plan for removing barriers and improving accessibility of sport for all people.  

Women and girls in sport 

• A level playing field: the case for investing in women's sport, 2019, Australian Women in Sport Advisory Group: The case for why gender diversity in sport will benefit sports organisations.  
• Factors influencing participation, Clearinghouse for Sport: Motivating factors, facilitators and barriers to women’s participation in sport.  
• Sexuality and Gender Perspectives on Sports Ethics, Clearinghouse for Sport: Analysis of the key barriers to inclusion surrounding sex, gender, sexual identity and sports culture. 
• Talent Program (Women Executives), Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Talent Program (Executive) is on offer to all women who work in high performance sport and are responsible for decision-making, strategy, and leadership, looking to progress to the next level in their career. 
• Women and girls, Australian Sports Commission: This is the national Australian website for the Australian Sports Commission. On this page you will find Strategies and Resources for gender inclusion.  
• Women Leaders in Sport, Australian Sports Commission: Women Leaders in Sport provides workshops and grants to support leadership development opportunities for women, help sporting organisations create inclusive cultures and achieve gender equity and drive a positive narrative around women leaders in sport. 

LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sport 

• Guidelines - Including transgender and gender diverse people in sport, Australian Human Rights Commission: Guidelines on equitable inclusion of transgender and gender diverse participants in sport. Includes reflective practice resources 
• LGBTIQ+ communities, Australian Sports Commission: This is the national Australian Sports Commission webpage on LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sports. You will find Strategies and Resources for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sports. 
• LGBTQIA+ Youth Consultation Reports: ‘Writing themselves in’, 2021, Minus18: This is the largest ever study on the experiences of LGBTQA+ young people aged 14-21 in Australia. 
• Proud 2 Play: Advocating for LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Sports & Recreation across Australia: Includes the latest research in LGBTIQ+ and youth participation in sports and fitness.  

Prevention of violence against women and girls and sport 

• A team effort: Sports evidence guide, Our Watch: Our Watch and RMIT University have developed an evidence guide to help sporting organisations play an effective role in preventing violence against women. 
• Equality and respect in sport standards, Our Watch: This guide provides standards to focus on what you can do with your staff and your external stakeholders to address violence against women. 
• Guidelines for Preventing Violence Against Women: Taking Action Through Community Sport, Sport and Recreation Victoria: Guidelines to support the community sports sector to lead change in gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls.   

Socioeconomic Inclusion 

• Socio-economic status and sport, Clearinghouse for Sport: This site provides an overview of the how socioeconomic status impacts participation in sport.  

Sport Infrastructure 

• Level the Playing Field Program, NSW Government: Across NSW, the Level the Playing Field program has approved 26 capital grants for new and upgraded sports facilities, including amenities and lighting improvements. Applicants must provide an Equitable Access and Usage policy to ensure gender equity in access and usage of community sports infrastructure for women and girls.  

 

Access to quality education and training is essential to enabling and inspiring lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training – to secure employment and improve their economic outcomes. Quality education is essential to children’s learning and wellbeing, resulting in positive outcomes throughout students’ lives.

Affordable, accessible and quality childcare is pivotal in removing barriers to women’s workforce participation.

General: 

• Education, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): ABS data on Education qualifications and work, preschools, schools, education and work, education and training, work-related Training and Adult learning and childhood education and care. 
• Education of First Nations people, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): This page provides an overview of indicators relating to education and skills of First Nations people. 
• STEM Equity Monitor, Department of Industry Science and Resources: The STEM Equity Monitor is a national data resource on girls and women in STEM through school, higher education, graduation and the workforce. 

Early childhood education and care (ECEC):

• ACECQA Resource Finder, ACECQA: The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority resource finder. 
• Beyond gender binaries: pedagogies and practices in early childhood education and care (ECEC), 2020, Xu, Y., Warin, J., & Robb, M.: This editorial brings together a group of articles exploring the possibilities for gender transformation that exist within ECEC settings in an international context. 
• Childcare choices: What parents want, 2017, Productivity and Equality Commission The Commission surveyed a representative sample of more than 2,000 parents and carers in New South Wales to find out what policy options they value most, and the relative importance of various barriers to ECEC usage. 
• Deserts and Oases: How Accessible is Childcare in Australia, 2022, Hurley, P., Matthews, H., & Pennicuik, S.: This report examines access to ECEC in Australia by region and is compared to potential demand. 
• Exploring diversity and equity in education and care services, 2021, PSC National Alliance: Inclusion fact sheet on diversity and equity in ECEC. 
• Gender stereotypes and biases in early childhood: A systematic review, 2021, Tania L King, Anna J Scovelle, Anneke Meehl, Allison J Milner, Naomi Priest: This review synthesises studies examining the presence of gender stereotypes and biases expressed by young children aged 3–5 years, with a focus on informing early childhood settings. 
• Inquiry Report - A path to universal early childhood education and care, 2024, Productivity Commission: This report outlines what a universal ECEC system would look like, and the significant reforms necessary to achieve it. These reforms tackle issues that affect ECEC availability, inclusion, affordability, quality and equity. 
• Low pay but still we stay: Retention in early childhood education and care, 2018, Paula McDonald, Karen Thorpe, Susan Irvine: This study analyses retention in ECEC occupations specifically, and in feminised, low-paid occupational groups more broadly. 
• Progressing a national approach to the children's education and care workforce, 2019, Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority: This report summarises ECEC workforce data, initiatives, current and future policies, interviews with stakeholders, a sector survey and national workforce forum. 
• Workforce Dashboard, ACECQA: This dashboard provides a summary of the implementation and progress of the ten-year National Workforce Strategy (2022-2031) and highlights a range of complementary ECEC workforce initiatives. 

School: 

• Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy 2023-26, Department of Education: This strategy provides an overview of actions to increase diversity, inclusion and belonging in the Department of Education. 
• Equitable outcomes for students –evidence base, Department of Education: Resources on improving equitable outcomes for students. 
• Gender and schooling in Australia, 2024, The Australian Educational Researcher: This paper presents a collection of recent papers drawing on qualitative research in and about schooling in Australia and the ways in which gender-related issues in the broadest sense continue to shape people’s educational experiences. 
• Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Connect: Comprehensive information and ideas for teachers and students on how to start up a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). 
• National Report on Schooling in Australia. 2023, acara: This report outlines national policy and reporting context for school education, reports on key performance indicators for schoolings and provides statistics (including by gender) on school and staff numbers, student enrolments and school funding. 
• Schools, 2023, Australian Bureau of Statistics: Data on government and non-government students, staff and schools. 
• Strong strides together: Meeting the educational goals for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, 2022, Department of Education: This paper supports teachers and school leaders to create fair, equitable, culturally inclusive and significant educational opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. 
• Student diversity, The Australian Curriculum: This Australian curriculum webpage provides resources on student diversity. 
• Supporting Aboriginal students to attain the HSC, Department of Education: Aboriginal students, on average, are less likely to complete the HSC. This research identifies drivers of HSC attainment for Aboriginal students. 
• Tell Them From Me: Gender and engagement, 2017, Department of Education: This report analyses the role gender plays in in education. 
• The role of education in intergenerational economic mobility in Australia, 2016, Department of Education: This report studies the extent to which education is a mechanism which explains intergenerational transmission of economic (dis)advantage in Australia. 
• Transgender students in schools, Department of Education: Department of Education webpage with information on Transgender students in schools. 
• Trauma-informed practice in schools: An explainer, Department of Education: This explainer briefly summarises the evidence on trauma-informed practice within an educational context. 

Vocational education and training:

• ASQA Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-26: The Australian Skills Quality Authority strategy on building a stronger and more diverse sector. 
• Education and Work, Australia, May 2023, Australian Bureau of Statistics: ABS data on engagement in work and/or study, current and recent study, qualifications, and transitions to work. 
• Indigenous VET participation, completion and outcomes: change over the past decade, 2017. NCVER: Drawing on data from NCVER’s collections and surveys, this report examines Indigenous participation and completion in VET, as well as the employment, further study and personal outcomes of training. 
• VET Public Dashboards: Training services NSW data on NSW Smart and Skilled vocational education and training, and apprenticeships and traineeships. 
• VET qualification completion rates 2022, NCVER: This publication provides information on observed actual and projected completion rates for qualifications at certificate I level and above using the latest collection of total VET activity data.  

Gender segregated training and industries:

• Australia's gender equality scorecard, WGEA: Key results from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s 2020-21 employer census. 
• Gender-based Occupational Segregation: A National Data Profile, 2023, Fair Work Commission: This report examines current patterns of segregation in Australia. Specifically, it identifies priority occupations and industries affected by high levels of feminisation, where undervaluation and pay equity issues are most likely to occur. 
• Gender segregation in Australia's workforce, 2019, WGEA: This paper looks at the features of ‘female-dominated’ and ‘male-dominated’ organisations, while highlighting the unequal distribution of women and men across industries and occupations. 
• Supporting women to achieve VET-based careers, Department of Employment and Workplace relations: This page contains the discussion paper and consultation summary produced by the Department to understand what is most effective in attracting and retaining women in VET-based occupations with low levels of women’s participation. 
• Vocational education and training enrolment and completion in STEM and other fields, Department of Industry Science and Resources: Data on Australian VET enrolment and completion numbers by gender and field of education.  
• Workforce Gender Segregation in Australia, 2024, Interjurisdictional Women’s Economic Outcomes Senior Officials Working Group of the Council on Federal Financial Relations: This paper provides an overview of gender segregation in Australian workforces, identifies underlying drivers of gender segregation and summarises key actions underway across jurisdictions aimed at supporting improved gender equality across Australian workforces. 

 

Australia’s growing population and lack of housing supply has contributed to a housing affordability crisis. Women have lower rates of home ownership in Australia compared to men and have equal to higher rates of renting. Women are also more likely to be the head of a sole parent family – over-representing their exposure to impacts from the current rental market challenges and housing insecurity compared to their male counterparts.  

The rising cost of real estate has a disproportionate impact on young women. CoreLogic (2024) found that a higher share of males aged 18-29 reported owning at least one dwelling (51.6 per cent) compared to women in the same age group (27.3 per cent). The rising cost of housing is particularly challenging for single women, single mothers, older women and people experiencing domestic and family violence. Higher rents and lack of affordable housing can lead to women becoming homeless. It can also be a barrier for domestic and family violence victim survivors leaving abusive partners. 

For further information on the intersection of domestic and family violence and housing insecurity/ homelessness, please see the data repository for domestic, family and sexual violence.

General housing data 

• Australian Housing Monitor: The Australian Housing Monitor is a nationally representative survey covering experiences and attitudes toward housing related issues. The Housing Monitor includes gendered data.
• Housing, Australian Bureau of Statistics: ABS resources on housing and homelessness. Includes articles on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing homelessness.
• Housing and homelessness, Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS): AIFS research on housing and homelessness.
• Gendered housing matters: toward gender-responsive data and policy making, 2024, AHURI: This research presents evidence that housing opportunities, pathways, assistance and impacts are gendered.
• Glass Ceilings: Gendered Inequality in the Housing System - The Australian Housing Monitor, Report 2, 2023, The Centre for Equitable Housing: This paper explores some of the gendered inequalities within the housing system, based on the Australian Housing Monitor, a recent survey of nearly 4000 people. Differences in how men and women experience affordability, security, and quality of housing are evident across nearly every metric.
• Search the Library, Housing For The Aged Action Group: An online library of research into Older People, Housing and Homelessness. 
• What are the real costs of Australia’s housing crisis for women? 2024, AHURI: This brief explores the housing crisis’s impact on women.
• Women’s life course and precarious housing in older age: an Australian qualitative study, 2023, University of Queensland: This study on a life course framework to consider the interaction of personal and societal conditions to understand how older women come to be precariously housed in older age.

Homelessness

• Gender, Housing Insecurity and Homelessness: Secondary Data Analysis, 2023, City Futures Research Centre: Data audit on homelessness and housing security with a focus on gender.
• Homelessness services Overview, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): AIHW reports, data and resources on homelessness services.
• Specialist homelessness services annual report 2022–23, 2024, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: The specialist homelessness services annual report summarises the characteristics of clients receiving support from specialist homelessness services.

Social housing and social housing design

• Housing assistance Overview, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: AIHW reports, data and resources on housing assistance.
• A Design Guide for Older Women’s Housing, 2022, Monash University: This guide reveals design strategies that address older women’s health, wellbeing, belonging and social connection.
• Design guide for refuge accommodation for women and children, 2020, University of Technology Sydney: This guide includes research findings on the potential of tailored design projects to address issues faced by women and children leaving domestic and family violence.
• Housing for Women Over 45: A best practice report on housing types for women at risk of homelessness in Melbourne, 2022, Monash University: This research report is focused on how architectural design can more effectively accommodate and address older women’s housing needs.
• Recommendations for designing supportive housing for women and gender-diverse individuals, 2021, McMaster University Research Shop: Canadian research on best practice gender inclusive design.

Home ownership and first home buyers

• First Home Buyer behaviour analysis, 2022, Housing Australia: This analysis provides data insights on the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) since its inception in January 2020 to 31 May 2022 including gender disaggregation, benchmarked against broader first home buyer data for the equivalent period.
• Women and Property, 2024, CoreLogic Australia: This report provides insights into home ownership rates among Australian women and men, as well as differences between genders in motivations, attitudes and barriers to getting on the property ladder.
• Who is receiving financial transfers from family during young adulthood in Australia? 2024, Woodman, D, Maire, Q, and Cook, J: This article contributes to emerging research on extended intergenerational support using longitudinal data from Australia to explore which young people are receiving this support during their 20s and into their early 30s.

First Nations housing

• Housing circumstances of First Nations people, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This web article focuses on housing tenure, housing affordability, housing assistance, housing quality and overcrowding. It also looks at homelessness and the use of relevant services by First Nations people.
• Housing Statistics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 2021, Australian Bureau of Statistics: ABS housing statistics for First Nations people. 
• Housing strategies that improve Indigenous health outcomes, Summary, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This paper reviews the evidence on housing strategies that improve Indigenous health outcomes.
• Indigenous Australians face considerable barriers to achieving successful housing outcomes, 2022, AHURI: AHURI research examines ‘what works’ when building stronger, sustainable Indigenous tenancies.

LGBTQIA+ housing

• LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Practice Guide, 2020, LGBTI Housing & Homelessness Projects: This document outlines guidance on inclusive practice for agencies in Australian homelessness and housing sectors working with clients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ+).
• LGBTI Housing & Homelessness Projects:  Includes research, reports and resources on LGBTI housing and homelessness as well as a LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Practice Guide.
• Out of the Closet, Out of Options: Older LGBTI people at risk of homelessness, 2020, Housing For The Aged Action Group: This report presents the findings of a study of the housing experiences of LGBTI older people in Victoria.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) housing

• The effects of discrimination on refugee and migrant housing needs, 2019, Settlement Council of Australia: The paper reviews the research that explores the barriers to accessing housing and their effects on refugees and migrants.
• Housing Related Challenges for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities, 2018, Housing For The Aged Action Group: This resource focuses on additional challenges older CALD people face with access to housing.
• Preventing Homelessness in Older Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities Project, 2015, Housing For The Aged Action Group: This report assists decision makers in planning inclusive services and to encourage the development and implementation of housing policies and diversity mechanisms that ensure equitable access for older members of CALD communities.

Disability housing

• Adaptable housing for people with disability in Australia, 2021, Australian Human Rights Commission: This report focuses on the modification or adaptation of existing housing stock in Australian cities and towns, to ensure that people with disability have choice about where to live.
• Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 Outcomes Framework: Second annual report, Housing affordability and housing stress, 2024, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:  This report shows housing outcomes from the 2nd annual report on the Disability Strategy’s Outcomes Framework.
• Facilitators and Barriers in Australian Disability Housing Support Policies: Using a Human Rights Framework, 2010, Disability Studies Quarterly: The research provides a framework for understanding the rights of people with disabilities to housing support in a changing policy context.
• People with disability in Australia, Housing assistance, 2024, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This page shows housing related findings of the People with disability in Australia 2024 report.

The community services sector is a major employer with a highly female dominated workforce. The sector employs more than 240,000 workers in NSW, 80 per cent of which are women. The sector provides essential services to the NSW community, which impact people differently.

For example, First Nations children are 10.5 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be removed by child protection authorities. LGBTIQ+ children and children with disabilities are also over-represented in out of home care.

People are also impacted differently by the criminal justice system. First Nations people are significantly over-represented in the criminal justice system.

General data

• Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS): Research to inform government policy and family services.
• A-Z topics, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): Resources, reports and data across a range of topics.
• NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research: Accurate, objective, and accessible evidence and information to inform public and government decision-making about crime and justice.
• Resource centre, Communities and Justice: Policies, forms, factsheets, reports, research and more from across the Department of Communities and Justice.
• Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty Leadership (SJFC) Group Terms of Reference, NSW Department of Communities and Justice:  The Terms of Reference includes the purpose, scope, timeframes, deliverables, membership and governance for the SJFC Leadership Group.

Crime and justice

• Crime and justice, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): ABS crime and justice data. Includes links to personal safety, stalking, corrective services, recorded crime, legal assistance, prisoners, criminal courts, crime victimisation, partner violence, childhood abuse, sexual harassment and violence, physical violence and more.
• Family law, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and resources on family law.
• Family dispute resolution, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and reports on family dispute resolutions.
• LGBT people in prison in Australia and human rights: A critical reflection, 2024, Walters, R, Antojado, D, Maycock, M, and Bartels, L: This article examines the human rights protections relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (‘LGBT’) people in Australian prisons.

Over representation of First Nations people in the criminal justice system

• Aboriginal over-representation, BOCSAR: This page provides an overview of the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.
• Reducing incarceration of Aboriginal people: Challenges and choices, 2023, Parliament of NSW: This paper presents an update on trends and factors driving overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in prison in NSW and current efforts to reduce it.
• The health and wellbeing of First Nations people in Australia's prisons 2022, Summary, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This publication provides information on the health and wellbeing of First Nations people in Australia’s prisons.
• Youth detention population in Australia 2023, First Nations young people in detention,  Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This page provides information on First Nations youth in youth detention.
• The health and wellbeing of First Nations people in Australia's prisons 2022, Summary, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This publication provides information on the health and wellbeing of First Nations people in Australia’s prisons.
• Youth detention population in Australia 2023, First Nations young people in detention, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: This page provides information on First Nations youth in youth detention.
• Pathways to Justice–Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 2018, Australian Law Reform Commission: This report contains 35 recommendations designed to reduce the disproportionate rate of incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and improve community safety.
• Racial Profiling, Surveillance and Over-Policing: The Over-Incarceration of Young First Nations Males in Australia, 2021, O’Brien, G: This paper explores how the over-representation of young First Nations men in the juvenile justice system may be a result of racial profiling, surveillance and over-policing of First Nations peoples within Australia.

Children and families

• Child abuse and neglect, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and resources on child abuse and neglect.
• Child protection, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: AIHW web article on child protection, includes information on the child protection system, children in the system, child protection services and further resources.
• Child protection and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, 2020, Australian Institute of Family Studies: This resource sheet is designed to assist practitioners, policy makers and researchers with an understanding of the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are involved in the Australian child protection and out-of-home care systems.
• Children, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and resources on children.
• Rainbow Families: Rainbow Families is the leading voice for LGBTQ+ families in Australia. Rainbow Families has developed Resources to support LGBTQ+ families and service inclusivity.
• Working with children and young people, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and resources on working with children and young people.
• Working with families, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and resources on working with families.

Carers

• Carers, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and resources on carers.
• Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Carers, Carers Australia: Short webpage on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse carers.
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) carers fact sheet, 2022, Carers NSW: Fact sheet on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse carers.
• Fostering with pride: two Australian community organisations’ experiences in recruiting and retaining Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) foster carers, 2013, Benevolent Society and Berry Street: This snapshot provides an overview of why LGBTI-identified people considered fostering, what factors influenced whether their initial enquiries progressed to application and accreditation, what supports they valued and what challenges they faced.
• National Carer Survey, Carers NSW: Carers NSW page with information on all previous National Carer Surveys, including the most recent 2024 Survey.
• Permanency outcomes for children in out-of-home care: indicators, 2023, AIHW: AIHW webpage with the latest data on indicators under the Permanency Outcomes Performance Framework.
• Working Together to Care for Kids, 2018, Australian Institute of Family Studies: This national survey involved telephone interviews with 2,203 foster and relative/kinship carers in late 2016 and was aimed at providing a better understanding of the characteristics and needs of the carers of children who are living in out-of-home care in Australia.
• 2020 Carers Survey LGBTQI+ carers Infographic, Carers NSW: Carers NSW infographic on LGBTQI+ carers.

First Nations carers

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Carers, Carers Australia: Brief overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers - policy statement, 2020, Carers NSW Australia: Carers NSW policy statement on First Nations carers, includes key data, challenges and recommendations.
• Improving carer wellbeing and empowering Indigenous communities, 2023, NHMRC: Associate Professor LoGiudice’s research finds that dementia, frailty, and age-related conditions are more prevalent and occur earlier in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She highlights the importance of strengthening the capacity of remote Aboriginal caregivers to enhance carer wellbeing.

Adoption

• Adopting a child, Communities and Justice: Communities and Justice information on adoption. Includes information on the adoption process, open adoptions, adopting within a family, adopting locally and overseas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and adoption, and adopting children with special care needs.
• Adoption, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and reports on adoption.
• Adoptions Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: AIHW web report on adoptions in Australia. Includes information on types of adoption, who was adopted, First Nations children, adoption processes and further data on adoptive parents, birth parents and children.
• Information sheet: LGBT adoption and foster care, Australian Psychological Society: Information sheet for LGBT people considering adoption or foster care and agencies who work in foster care.

Out of home care

• Australia's youth: Young people in out-of-home care, 2021, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: AIHW webpage on young people in out-of-home care, includes key findings, data and trends over time.
• Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care (CETC) Research: The CETC mobilises knowledge about “what works” in out-of-home care to better resource carers and organisations supporting children and young people living in all forms of care, including foster and kinship care, residential care and secure care. This page contains CETC research, policy and reports on out of home care.
• Children in care, Australian Institute of Family Studies: AIFS research and resources on children in care.
• Research Centre for Children and Families, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: University of Sydney research, resources and publications to inform policy and practice for children, young people and families, with a focus on societal factors that contribute to child and family vulnerability.
• Specialist homelessness service usage and receipt of income support for people transitioning from out-of-home care, 2023, AIFS: This report explores the degree to which young people who have been in care require income support and support from specialist homelessness services.
• The Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study (POCLS), Communities and Justice: This study details the first large-scale longitudinal study of children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) in Australia.

First Nations children in out of home care

• About relative and kinship care, NSW Government: This page explains what kinship care is, types of kinship care, applying for kinship care, rights and responsibilities, code of conduct, and maintaining ties to culture.
• Child protection, 2024, AIHW Indigenous Health Performance Framework: This page contains the child protection section of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework - Summary report.
• Family is Culture, 2020, Communities and Justice: NSW has a disproportionate and increasing number of Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care. The Family is Culture report is an independent review of Aboriginal Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care in NSW.
• SNAICC – National Voice for our Children: SNAICC is the national peak body Aboriginal community-controlled organisation that works to improve outcomes and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and strengthen the capacities of families across Australia.
• Family Matters - National Report, 2023, SNAICC: SNAICC's annual report examines what governments are doing to address the over-representation of, and the outcomes for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
• A call to end the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in OOHC within a generation, Australian Institute of Family Studies: Family Matters is a national campaign led by SNAICC. The campaign aims to eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care (OOHC) within a generation. This article presents a brief overview of two reports recently published by the Family Matters campaign.

Children with disabilities in out of home care

• Issues for Children with Disability in Out of Home Care, 2019, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations: This paper provides an overview of unresolved and emerging issues, as well as an evaluation of what’s working well for children with disabilities in out of home care.
• Supporting children with disability in out-of-home care (OOHC), 2024, Emerging Minds: This resource provides an overview of the over-representation of children with disability in out-of-home care in Australia.
• Outcomes for children with disability in out-of-home care: Evidence from the pathways of care longitudinal study in Australia, 2023, Cheng, Z, Tani, M and Katz, I:   This paper examines the wellbeing and outcomes of children with and without disabilities in out of home care.

LGBTIQ+ children in out of home care

• Supporting LGTBQIA+ Young People in Care to Explore Identity, CETC: This page provides an overview of the challenges that LGBTQIA+ young people face in care, reflecting on how to provide a secure base in care and environment for exploring self-identity safely.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse children in out of home care

• Supporting cultural needs: Working with culturally and linguistically diverse children in out-of-home care, 2024, Australian Institute of Family Studies: This webinar incorporates lived experience, research and practice perspectives to provide insight into the experiences of CALD children in OOHC and encourage a stronger focus on cultural needs and connections within the child protection system
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Children in Out-of-Home Care: Safety Developmental Outcomes Connections to Family and Culture, 2024. Communities and Justice: This note presents findings about CALD children’s characteristics; child protection backgrounds and experiences in OOHC; developmental outcomes; relationships; and connection to their family and culture.
• Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study Culturally Diverse Children in Out-of-Home Care: Safety, Wellbeing, Cultural and Family Connections, 2021, Communities and Justice: This report is a collection of papers which provide information on cultural diversity in out-of-home care.

Community services workforce

• Australia’s Social and Community Services Workforce, 2024, Social Policy Research Centre - UNSW Sydney:  This report provides detailed insight into what community service workers do, and how their work is characterised, classified and paid in the context of the regulatory arrangements set by the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services (SCHADS) Award. 
• Gender-based Occupational Segregation: A National Data Profile, 2024, Social Policy Research Centre – UNSW Sydney: This report examines gendered occupational segregation in Australia.
• Regulating for gender-equitable decent work in social and community services: Bringing the state back in, 2021, Macdonald, F and Charlesworth, S: This article explores the potential of regulatory and policy reform for gender-equitable decent work in social and community services.
• Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty for Community Services, Communities and Justice: The Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty for Community Services will improve job security for the community services workforce, increase funding for key community services providers and reduce administrative burden to secure jobs and funding certainty for community services workers.
• Specialist Workers for Children and Young People Outcomes Evaluation, 2024, Social Policy Research Centre - UNSW Sydney: The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) commissioned a research team from the Social Policy Research Centre to undertake an outcomes evaluation of Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) affected by domestic and family violence.
• Workforce issues in the NSW community services sector, Social Policy Research Centre - UNSW Sydney: These two research publications aim to develop a contemporary understanding of workforce models and issues in the NSW community services sector.
• Workforce Profile Report 2023, Public Service Commission: The Workforce Profile Report 2023 provides in-depth data and information about the NSW public sector workforce and can be used to inform workforce management strategies and policy.