A sneak peek inside the sold-out budget event

From cost of living to surprise tax cuts – no issue was off the table as hundreds gathered at the dinner that’s been labelled “the most sought-after ticket in town”. 

The fourth annual FW La Trobe Financial Federal Budget Dinner took place in Parliament House’s Great Hall on Wednesday night. 

The event unpacked exactly what the federal budget means for women. It brought together the country’s most influential people and leading minds – from politicians and policymakers to educators and researchers – to cast a gender lens over government spending. 

Addressing the room, La Trobe Financial’s Chief People and Marketing Officer, Antonietta Sestito spoke about the importance of giving women the tools they need to advance their financial security.

Antonietta Sestito highlights the importance of giving women the tools they need to advance their financial security.

“We need to talk more about these issues [that impact women] – and we need to do it in a way that cuts through,” she said. 

“A way that engages women to take stock of their financial situation, take action in their financial planning, and take control of their economic futures.”

She also announced a new content partnership with FW – the ‘Choose Her Own Adventure’ campaign, which will start rolling out this April. This series will let people determine the financial fate of Annie, a fictional woman, who will age from 20-70 in just seven weeks. 

Helen McCabe speaks to Zoe McKenzie MP.

The night also featured a Q&A with FW Founder Helen McCabe and Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie, along with a keynote address from the Minister for Finance and Women, Senator Katy Gallagher. 

McKenzie spoke about cost of living issues and described many people as being “furious” with the current state of politics and the economy. 

“Last Friday I was in a room this size chock-a-block with small business women … they’re not succeeding because of the system, they’re succeeding despite it,” she said.

Senator Katy Gallagher delivers her keynote address.

While Senator Gallagher let the audience in on a shared joke between her and Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong. You can read more about it here.  

The dinner has fast become the budget event of the season. Senator Gallagher described it as “the most sought-after ticket in town” while Minister McKenzie summed up the buzz in the room:  “… you can smell the election in the air”. 

Photography credit: Ashley St George

With thanks to our Presenting Partner La Trobe Financial.