Queensland’s government is set to roll out a $20 million program to support women returning to the workforce.
The Women’s Career Grants program will offer grants up to $5000 to reduce the cost of returning to work for women aged over 18 who have been out of the workforce for more than six months.
The grant money will be available to invest in workwear, childcare, training, recertification, transport to and from job interviews, tools and technology, or relocation expenses for new employment.
Premier David Crisafulli said the grants are aimed at removing barriers for women ready to return to the workforce.
“Queensland women shouldn’t be locked-out of a job because they can’t afford the cost of job-seeking,” said Crisafulli.
“Whether it is about childcare to attend job interviews, covering relocation or transport costs, or purchasing workwear – these grants provide support where it is most needed.”
The Women’s Career Grants program will officially launch on November 3, with expressions of interest now open. The government estimated a minimum of 4,000 women will be helped by the program.
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Fiona Simpson said the program “will empower Queensland women who are ready to re-enter the workforce and just need some extra support to level the playing field.”
“We’ve heard of women writing CVs on their phone, or no longer having appropriate clothing for job interviews, this will provide practical assistance to foster their economic independence,” Simpson said.
Comparing the current Liberal National party to the former Labor government, Simpson said: “The former Labor Government was long on platitudes and short on practical assistance, Women’s Career Grants will deliver support where and how it’s needed.”
“Labor claimed to champion Queensland women – but actions spoke louder than words, with the closure of maternity wards on their watch, and rampant workplace bullying and harassment of women at the hands of Labor’s CFMEU mates.”
The first two years of the program will be done in partnership with Future Women, who are behind the Jobs Academy program, a free online program designed to boost women’s economic security.
In Queensland, the Crisafulli government has also extended the Jobs Academy program for 2026 and 2027 with a $4 million funding boost to support an additional 500 women to upskill.
“Future Women is excited to be partnering with the Queensland Government to make it a reality and support women returning to work,” said the founder of Future Women Helen McCabe, adding that “this is what we do best. We know how to connect women with the tools and support they need to get back to work.”