Queensland Government Unveils Groundbreaking $20M Initiative to Get Stay-at-Home Mums Back into Workforce
- Eligible mums can access grants of up to $5,000 to cover childcare, job readiness, technology, and workwear costs
- The program aims to remove barriers for women who have been out of the workforce for at least six months, with a focus on stay-at-home mums
- The initiative is part of the LNP’s election promise to support women’s economic security and is set to benefit at least 4,000 women
Premier David Crisafulli has announced a revolutionary new program to help Queensland women get back into the workforce, with a massive $20 million investment in the state’s economy. The Women’s Career Grants program is designed to support mums who have taken a break from their careers to care for their families, providing them with the financial support they need to return to work.
In a heartfelt message, Premier Crisafulli revealed that the program was about “removing the obstacles that exist” for women who want to rejoin the workforce. “We believe it’s a really small investment in the productivity of this state, and the sense of self-worth that comes with a job,” he said.
Under the initiative, eligible candidates will be able to access grants of up to $5,000 to cover the costs of childcare, job readiness, technology, and workwear. The program is open to women aged over 18 who have been out of the workforce for at least six months, with a focus on stay-at-home mums who are ready to take the leap back into employment.
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the program was designed to benefit women who were out of work for a range of reasons, including caring for children or elderly relatives. “We have tailored this program as a result of feedback from women about what barriers exist between them and returning to the workforce,” she explained.
The government has partnered with professional development organisation Future Women to administer the grants, with plans to fund an expansion of the jobs academy it runs with the organisation. Founder Helen McCabe said the program would “tap into a dormant workforce” and provide women with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
For mums like Jen Fleming, the program is a game-changer. “When you become a mum, everything changes… your priorities change,” she said. “I think this is groundbreaking… women need support to have the confidence to return to work when they’re ready.”
Evie Massey, who has been out of the workforce for 16 years while raising her children, is also hopeful of benefiting from the program. “The need for childcare as a mum is quite necessary… but also [the money would] help me sharpen my resume, my presentation… also to get all the tools that are necessary,” she said.
The program officially launches on November 3, with plans to fund successful candidates before the end of the year. Expressions of interest are now open, and women are encouraged to apply.