- More than 1,000 Queensland women received support through the Crisafulli Government's Women's Career Grants Round 1, with one-off funding of up to $5,000.
- Expressions of interest for Women's Career Grants Round 2 can be lodged now, ahead of applications opening on 23 March.
- Grants can assist with the costs of workwear, childcare, training, recertification, relocation, tools, or technology.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy with Women's Career Grants and expanded Jobs Academy program.
The Crisafulli Government continues to deliver for Queensland women with the expansion of $5,000 grants to help reduce the cost of returning to work and boost women's economic security.
The $20 million Women's Career Grants program will open Round 2 applications this month following extraordinary interest and resounding success in Round 1.
Eligible women claimed one-off funding to assist with the costs of new workwear, registered childcare, training, recertification, transport to and from job interviews, tools and technology, or relocation expenses for new employment.
More than 1,000 Queensland women were supported through Round 1 and 93 per cent of successful applicants sought assistance across three or more categories - with technology, re-certification, and training being the most popular.
The Women's Career Grants are just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is unlocking new opportunities for Queensland women after the former Labor Government underfunded – and ignored – women's economic security.
The former Labor Government's record on issues affecting Queensland women is clear and includes the closure of 38 maternity wards and rampant workplace bullying and harassment of women at the hands of Labor's CFMEU.
The Crisafulli Government is also strengthening women's economic security by delivering the expanded Jobs Academy program - which supports women over the age of 40 to return to work or study and re-establish their careers - after the former Labor Government left the program unfunded beyond last year.
Minister for Women and Queensland's first Minister for Women's Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the Women's Career Grants and expanded Jobs Academy meant returning to work has never been easier for women across the State.
"Our Women's Career Grants are breaking down barriers and providing cost-of-living relief to help women with the essentials to get back into work," Minister Simpson said.
"The first round supported more than 1,000 women across Queensland and we're already hearing some of their success stories. We'll be aiming to empower the same number of women again – if not more – through Round 2.
"I've travelled across Queensland and listened to so many women who are looking for more opportunities, particularly when it comes to economic security. The Crisafulli Government is delivering this practical support where it is needed most.
"Labor was devoid of delivery when it came to opportunities for Queensland women, and strengthening women's economic security simply wasn't on their priorities list."
Women's Career Grants are delivered in partnership with Future Women - the team behind the successful Jobs Academy program, which the Crisafulli Government extended for 2026 and 2027 with $4 million funding to support an additional 500 Queensland women to upskill.
Future Women Founder & Managing Director Helen McCabe said she was proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver this election commitment and support women across the State.
"The Women's Career Grants program addresses a clear need for women looking to return to paid work – whether that's covering laptops, technology, childcare or transport," Ms McCabe said.
Gold Coast mother-of-four Lin Yang - who used the grant to secure a laptop, workwear and a real estate license - said the support came at a crucial time for her family.
"When I began my job search, I was navigating uncertainty while trying to create long-term stability for my family," Ms Yang said.
"It eased financial pressure and allowed me to focus strategically on securing sustainable employment rather than rushing into short-term solutions.
"With that stability, I was able to prepare properly, refine my approach and present myself with confidence in interviews.
"I have now secured a position in a real estate agency, which provides a pathway for my professional growth."
Expressions of interest for Women's Career Grants Round 2 can be lodged now, ahead of applications opening on Monday, 23 March. Both can be done here: womenscareergrants.com.au
