BREAKING: The Queensland government has just announced a groundbreaking $20 million grant program aimed at helping up to 4,000 women re-enter the workforce after extended leave. The Women’s Career Grants initiative is set to launch on November 3, enabling women who have taken time off for caregiving, family emergencies, or other personal reasons to apply for grants of up to $5,000.
Premier David Crisafulli and Minister for Women Fiona Simpson unveiled this urgent program during a launch event on Sunday. The grants can be used for essential expenses like workwear, childcare, training, recertification, and the purchase of tools or technology, addressing immediate barriers to workforce participation.
Minister Simpson emphasized the program’s focus on women who have been unemployed for over six months and have faced significant challenges in their job search. “Many women experience breaks from work due to caring responsibilities or other circumstances, making them more economically vulnerable than the average Queenslander,” she stated.
The initial phase of the program will be executed in partnership with Future Women, an organization renowned for its effective pre-employment initiative, the Jobs Academy. Founder Helen McCabe highlighted the program’s role in addressing skills shortages across Australia, saying, “Skills are desperately needed in this economy – not just in Queensland, but across Australia. We’re tapping into the dormant workforce that exists in Queensland.”
Premier Crisafulli confirmed that expressions of interest are now open, with the government aiming to deliver funds to applicants before Christmas. “We’re confident that we can start delivering for women in terms of receiving the money in their bank accounts,” he assured.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the LNP government, which first introduced the funding in the 2025-26 budget. Additional measures to enhance women’s economic security include a substantial $333 million investment over four years for the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, funding for the Female Founders Investment Readiness pilot, and the Empowering Queensland Women grant program, alongside efforts to close the gender pay gap.
As the situation develops, women across Queensland are urged to take advantage of this timely opportunity to enhance their career prospects. Stay tuned for more updates as we follow this crucial initiative that promises to reshape the workforce landscape for women in the region.
