Foreword

The 2003-04 Budget builds on the Government's commitment to provide more choices and support for Australian women. This year, education and health are important areas of focus.

Education

The Higher Education Equity Programme (HEEP) - additional funding of $2.3 million per year from 2005 will increase the number of women students in non-traditional areas such as engineering.

Nursing and Teacher Education - more funding per place will be given to training institutions for these two areas. An additional 210 nursing places in regional institutions will combat a pressing need for more nurses.

Health

Medical Indemnity Premium Subsidy Scheme - an increase of the subsidy available to rural obstetricians from 50 per cent to 80 per cent on the difference between the cost of their premiums plus their Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) contribution. This will encourage rural obstetricians to continue practising to the benefit of rural women.

General Practice Incentive Payment - an incentive for GPs to employ practice nurses and allied health workers in urban areas.

The Commonwealth Government's continuing commitment to women is evident through a range of initiatives currently being successfully implemented and delivered to the women of Australia. Progress on these initiatives in also included in this Statement.