Empowering women’s economic success in Queensland
- Josephine Tan
The Queensland state government is prioritising the empowerment and support of women in its 2023 State Budget. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has unveiled an A$16.3 million (US$10.8 million) package aimed at bolstering women and ensure they can participate in and benefit from Queensland’s thriving economy.
The investment will be channelled into a range of initiatives designed to uplift women across Queensland. With A$4.6 million (US$3 million) over two years allocated to the Women in Trade Apprenticeships Mentoring programme, the Queensland government aims to provide support to women pursuing apprenticeships and enhance completion rates in these trades. Another A$3.2 (US$2.1 million) million over two years will be directed towards the Future Women – Jobs Academy programme, which will offer training, support, and connections to up to 500 unemployed and underemployed women, enabling them to access paid employment and training opportunities.
In addition, A$2.8 million (US$1.8 million) over four years will be invested in the Women in Network grant programme, which aims to support women’s participation and leadership in male-dominated industries. Furthermore, A$533,000 (US$351,894) in 2023-24 will be utilised for establishing the Fresh Start For Me programme, which will create online resources to support women affected by domestic and family violence as they reintegrate into or enter the workforce. Lastly, A$5 million (US$3.3 million) over three years will expand the delivery of the Backing Female Founders programme, launching initiatives to support women entrepreneurs in innovation-driven enterprises.
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“This funding goes hand in hand with our Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022-2027, which is enabling more gender-aware budgeting,” said Shannon Fentiman, Queensland’s Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women. “Only by investing in these programmes can we break down the structural barriers that still exist and ensure women can live successful lives in an economically inclusive Queensland.”
