New grants to give women a boost in male-dominated industries

• $625,000 worth of grants now available to support women to enter, remain, succeed, and lead in typically male-dominated industries.
• The first round of the $2.8 million Women in Industry grants program is now open and will close 5pm, 9 August 2024.
• This new program is supported by the more than $16 million Women Economic Security package.

In a bid to give gender bias the boot, the Miles Government is launching the first round of its $2.8 million Women in Industry grants program to support women to enter, succeed, and lead in male-dominated industries.

The Miles Government recognises the unequal distribution of women in industries such as construction, mechanical, manufacturing, energy, and resources is a key driver of the gender pay gap.

The first round of this new Women in Industry grants program is open now to fund programs dedicated to:

• Challenging entrenched gender bias, attitudes, and behaviours
• Improving recruitment, retention, and training
• Increasing respect and safety in the workplace
• Challenging structural barriers preventing women from staying and succeeding in the industry
• Increasing women’s participation and leadership at all levels

The Miles Government is committed to ensuring women – particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable women - feel empowered and supported to participate and succeed in all industries.

$625,000 is available in the first round, under two categories: up to $150,000 for longer term structural change projects designed to reduce barriers and increase inclusion, and up to $20,000 for smaller scale projects or events to support connection and awareness.

Applications are invited from organisations working in or with relevant industries such as peak advisory bodies, and women led networks operating in relevant industries.

For more information and to apply, visit www.women.qld.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Steven Miles: 

“Through these grants we can work with community and industry partners to continue to unlock economic potential for women and fully utilise the skills of all Queenslanders and create the workforce we need to support our growing economy.”

“We are supporting better inclusion of women in sectors important to our growing economy, through our Workforce Strategy and targeted initiatives such as the Women in Manufacturing Strategy and our commitment to develop a Women in Renewables Strategy, under the Equal by 30 campaign.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade Cameron Dick: 

“Investments like these help women, and will boost labour supply and productivity in rapidly growing industries.

“We understand the economic potential that is unlocked by supporting more women into the workforce.

“Programs like this empower Queensland women, and have been a priority across recent budgets.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman: 

“The Miles Government is committed to investing in the future of Queensland women, and that’s exactly what these grants will do.

“We know that investing in women’s economic participation and security benefits herself, her family, and her wider community.

“That’s why I would love to see industries take this important step towards achieving greater gender balance in the workplace.

“A Labor Government will always back women and will continue to remove barriers that stand in the way of equality, inclusion, and economic participation of women and girls.”

ENDS

This statement replaces the statement which was posted at 2:50pm Friday 12th July 2024.