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The Queensland government has announced a $20 million grant program to help up to 4000 women return to work after extended leave.
Under the Women’s Career Grants initiative, women who have spent time out of the workforce for reasons such as raising children, being a carer, or managing a relationship breakdown can apply for up to $5000.
This can be used to cover the costs of workwear, child care, training, recertification, relocation, tools or technology.
Premier David Crisafulli and Minister for Women Fiona Simpson at the Women’s Career Grants launch on Sunday. Credit: Courtney Kruk
Minister for Women Fiona Simpson said the first tranche of grants would prioritise women who have been unemployed for more than six months and have faced significant hurdles in trying to re-enter the workforce.
“A lot of women, at various times in life, can have breaks from work, be it caring for children, caring for elderly or other unwell family members, or other circumstances,” she said.
“It means women are more economically vulnerable than the average Queenslander.”
The first two years of the scheme will be delivered in partnership with Future Women, the organisation responsible for running the highly successful pre-employment program Jobs Academy.
Future Women founder Helen McCabe said the Women’s Career Grants initiative would actively promote industries with skills shortages.
“Skills are desperately needed in this economy – not just in Queensland, but across Australia,” she said.
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“What we’re doing here is tapping into that dormant workforce that exists in Queensland.”
Premier David Crisafulli said expressions of interest have opened, with women able to apply for a grant from November 3.
“We’re confident that we can start delivering for women before Christmas, in terms of receiving the money in their bank account,” he said.
“I hope that shows our commitment to make sure that we can do all we can to break down those barriers and enable women to re-enter the workforce.”
The LNP first announced the $20 million funding package as part of the 2025-26 budget.
Other commitments to improve women’s economic security included $333 million over four years for the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program to increase workforce participation, funding for the Female Founders Investment Readiness pilot, and the Empowering Queensland Women grant program, as well as efforts to reduce the gender pay gap.
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