With the next election approaching, the Labor government in Queensland is making significant policy changes. In addition to providing superannuation retirement pay on top of paid parental leave, they are also offering public servants 10 days of reproductive health leave annually, including coverage for IVF treatment. Premier Steven Miles, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, and Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace announced these changes less than six months before the state election, which is set for Oct. 26, 2024. The new policy will benefit around 265,000 public servants in the state and will cover chronic reproductive health conditions like endometriosis. The leave can also be used for breast and prostate cancer screenings, as well as procedures like hysterectomies and vasectomies, with implementation expected by the end of September.
Superannuation Benefits For Everyone
In addition to health leave, public servants in Queensland will now receive superannuation payments even during unpaid parental leave. This change comes in response to the 2023 Queensland Gender Equality Report Card, which highlighted a significant gap in superannuation balances between men and women in the state. Moving forward, state public servants will receive superannuation pay for the entire 52-week period of parental leave, whether it is paid or unpaid. Premier Miles emphasized that this change ensures that frontline workers have access to dedicated leave for reproductive health issues, such as IVF, endometriosis, vasectomies, and reproductive cancer screenings.
Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace echoed the sentiment, stating that no parent should face significant gaps in their superannuation statements. She emphasized the financial challenges that new parents face, especially given the current cost-of-living pressures. Grace expressed her aspiration for the Queensland state government to be the employer of choice and hopes that other organizations will follow suit.
‘Special’: Queensland Union Secretary Who Conceived 2 Sets of Twins Via IVF
Australian Workers Union Secretary Stacey Schinnerl, who conceived two sets of twins via IVF, described the announcement as “really special.” She shared her personal experiences of undergoing multiple difficult procedures with her husband during their fertility journey. Schinnerl emphasized that the new policy will allow public service workers to address reproductive health issues without depleting their personal leave balances, ensuring that sick leave can be preserved for actual illness. She also highlighted the gender-neutral nature of the policy, allowing men to access leave for various men’s health procedures.
Major IVF provider Queensland Fertility Group’s managing director, Melanie Sibson, emphasized the personal and stressful nature of starting a family and praised the introduction of paid reproductive health leave as a means to reduce stress and facilitate family planning.
Opposition Offers $20 Million Program to Help Women Return to Work
On the other side of the political spectrum, the Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) opposition has announced a $20 million “returning to work” financial assistance package aimed at supporting women re-entering the workforce. The package includes grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses such as workwear, childcare, technology, and relocation costs. LNP leader David Crisafulli emphasized the party’s commitment to empowering women economically and ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent women from seeking job opportunities.
If the LNP wins the election, this program aims to unlock opportunities for women seeking to return to the workforce, providing essential support to enhance women’s economic security.
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