News
5 July, 2025
Local voices shape women’s strategy
Local voices were at the heart of shaping Queensland’s first-ever Women’s Economic Security Strategy, with a key roundtable discussion held on June 16 following the Crisafulli Government’s Community Cabinet at Sandstone Point.
Hosted by Member for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan, and Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Fiona Simpson, the session brought together women from across sectors including business, disability services, education, sport, domestic violence support, and the legal community.
The roundtable gave participants the chance to speak directly with government ministers about the barriers women face in achieving financial stability, and to share ideas to help more women thrive economically.
Ms Doolan said it was an important opportunity for women in the region to engage directly with the State Government.
“It was fantastic to have Minister Simpson in Pumicestone, listening to our trailblazing women about the challenges they face in achieving economic security,” Ms Doolan said.
“I also enjoyed hearing their perspectives and ideas about how to enable women in the region to not just feel economically secure, but to thrive.”
Minister Simpson said the strategy will be shaped by Queensland women, for Queensland women.
“We need to learn from women right across the state to understand the tools, opportunities and support needed to create a brighter, more financially secure future,” she said.
“It’s incredibly worrying to have Queensland women aged over 55—the women who have spent much of their lives caring for others—at the greatest risk of homelessness.”
Among the issues raised during the Moreton Bay forum were limitations to women re-entering the workforce following parental leave, financial and legal literacy, as well as the distribution of caring responsibilities between men and women.
Similar events have taken place in Cairns and Rockhampton, with official consultation for the Women’s Economic Security Strategy to include forums in other regional locations.
