Qld calls out Feds on working women

Queensland has called on the Morrison Government to restore financial support for services to help women with workplace issues, including sexual harassment.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace today committed almost another $800,000 over three years for Working Women Queensland, a free advisory and support service, and asked Federal Industrial Relations Minister Michaelia Cash to reinstate their funding.

“It’s time for the Morrison Government to walk the talk on supporting women,” Ms Grace said.

“The Coalition cut funding to Working Women Queensland five years ago and has not paid a cent towards this vital service since this time.

“The Respect@Work report recommends that the Commonwealth work with the states and territories on funding for working women’s centres.

“The Morrison Government’s glossy roadmap says they are going to do that, but still the phone hasn’t rung, and the money hasn’t shown.   

“The Morrison Government must immediately reinstate funding to Working Women Queensland in its Budget next week so this service can continue to provide information, advice and assistance to vulnerable workers who experience sexual harassment and other discrimination at work.”

Working Women Queensland is a not-for-profit employment advisory service that has offered practical, workplace-focussed advice and information to Queensland women since 1995.

The Palaszczuk Labor Government and previous Labor Governments have strongly supported services for women, including providing a total of almost $6 million for this service.

It was jointly State and Commonwealth funded until 2016, when the Commonwealth pulled funding. The Newman LNP Government also pulled support during its term. 

Ms Grace said the Morrison Government had a record of failing Queensland working women on workplace support.

“The overwhelming majority of Queensland women who seek help from Working Women Queensland are subject to Federal industrial laws, but Queensland has no Federally-funded local employment and advice service,” she said.

“Instead, Queenslanders have to rely on a Melbourne-based service, who told a Parliamentary inquiry that they don’t have the resources to help all of the Queensland clients who seek it.    

“It’s not fair, it’s not right and Minister Cash has to step up for Queensland women in next week’s Budget.”

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