THE state government’s new initiative, competitive grant rounds to support women returning to work, is open for applications.

Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government said the Women’s Career Grants represented a potential boost for economic security for Queensland women.

The grant program was launched in early October for registrations of interest and last week, the application forms were made available.

To date, more than 3,300 Queensland women have registered their interest for the grants.

Minister Simpson said the $20 million initiative would support Queensland women who want to get back into work, reducing the barriers to employment after career breaks such as caring for children, periods of family sickness or relationship breakdowns.

“The grants will be available to assist with the costs of workwear, childcare, training, recertification, transport to and from job interviews, tools and technology or relocation expenses for new employment,” she said.

To be eligible, applicants must be Queensland residents over the age of 18 who have been unemployed for at least six months and are ready to re-enter the workforce, and able to provide the required identification evidence.

The Women’s Career Grants will be delivered for the first two years in partnership with Future Women, the team behind the successful Jobs Academy program, which is a training initiative for women looking for work.

Each applicant can apply for up to $5,000.

“This is important cost of living relief for women returning to work after children, illness or relationship breakdowns, because Queensland women shouldn’t be locked-out of a job because they can’t afford the cost of job-seeking,” Minister Simpson said.