- The Miles Labor Government is extending coverage of its nation-leading reproductive health leave entitlements package to government-owned corporations.
- Workers will receive 10 days of leave for reproductive health and have superannuation contributions paid on parental leave – paid and unpaid.
- The 10 days reproductive health leave will be effective by 30 September 2024.
Premier Steven Miles has today announced a major extension to nation leading leave reform, building on changes announced on Labour Day 2024.
The Government will provide 10 days of leave for reproductive health care to all Government Owned Corporations, Queensland Rail and Seqwater.
This non-cumulative reproductive health leave can be accessed for the treatment of conditions including preventative health measures, screenings, IVF, hysterectomy, vasectomy, chromic conditions like endometriosis, dysmenorrhea or severe menopause.
This is a major expansion of the Australian-first initiative to a further 24,000 government workers.
In May this year, the Miles Labor Government also announced the payment of superannuation on all parental leave whether the period was paid or unpaid.
This too will extend to workers of Government Owned Corporations, Queensland Rail and Seqwater, and came into effect from 1 July 2024.
Reproductive health leave entitlements will come into effect by 30 September 2024.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
“Today, we make history again with the announcement that some of the best workplace entitlements in the nation will be extended to even more Queensland workers.
“By September 30, the extension of these entitlements will mean that government owned corporations will have access to dedicated leave for things like IVF, endometriosis, vasectomies or reproductive cancer screenings.
“I always want Queensland’s incredible public sector to shine as an employer of choice and I hope to see other organisations follow our lead when it comes to backing the health and equity of workers.
“My government knows we have an enormous opportunity as the state’s largest employer to lead the way when it comes to supporting workers and their families.
“This is both about improving pay equity for women in the workforce and supporting the health and wellbeing of the workers who make this state a better place.”
As stated by Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace:
“Our workforce is built on community and our children the future of our workforce – no parent should look back at their super statements in retirement and see big gaps where they had to stop saving because they were taking care of children.
“We know women have been disproportionately impacted by this, and this entitlements package is a lasting promise that we will do what needs to be done in closing the gap.
“These workplace entitlements will break down so many barriers for women now and into the future and will assist with addressing the gender pay gap.
“From 1 July, the superannuation entitlement came into effect for government owned corporations and stat body employees – this means that super will be paid for every single week of the entire 52-week period of parental leave, whether the leave is paid or not.
“This is yet another demonstration of this Government’s unwavering dedication to supporting the workforce to be safer, fairer, healthier and more productive.”
