“The Palaszczuk Government is investing in the skills and entrepreneurship of Queensland women,” said Chris Whiting MP.

$16.3 million is now available to help break down the barriers to gender equality and to back the professional skills of Queensland women.

“We want Queensland women to benefit from the state’s booming economy and to be supported in male dominated industries,” said Chris Whiting MP.

“This $16.3 Budget boost will also back women in business and innovation and provide economic opportunities for disadvantaged and vulnerable women.

“We’re investing $4.6 million over two years in the Women in Trade Apprenticeships Mentoring program, to support women undertaking apprenticeships and improve completion rates.

“We’re investing $2.8 million over four years for the Women in Network grant program to support women and girls’ participation and leadership in male-dominated industries.

“We’re investing $3.2 million over two years to support a Future Women – Jobs Academy program to train and support 500 unemployed and underemployed women.

“We’re supporting Queensland’s female entrepreneurs grow and scale their Queensland innovation businesses by boosting funding by $5 million over three years to the Backing Female Founders program.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to real and enduring action to address economic inequality and break down the barriers to gender equality,” said Chris Whiting MP.

More details on how to access these grants programs will be included in the Queensland State Budget next week.

The funding boosts includes:
• $4.6 million over two years for the Women in Trade Apprenticeships Mentoring program
• $3.2 million over two years to support a Future Women - Jobs Academy program
• $2.8 million over four years for the Women in Network grant program
• $533,000 in 2023–24 for the Fresh Start For Me program
• An additional $5 million over three years to expand delivery of the Backing Female Founders program.