Queensland Public Servants to Receive Paid Reproductive Health Leave
The Queensland government has announced new workplace entitlements for its 265,000 public sector workers, including 10 days of paid leave for reproductive healthcare. This initiative is expected to cost taxpayers around $80 million annually.
Chronic reproductive health conditions
Preventative screenings for breast and prostate cancers
Treatments such as hysterectomies and vasectomies
The government also announced plans to pay superannuation contributions on all parental leave, paid and unpaid, starting in July 2023. Currently, superannuation is only paid during paid parental leave.
Leading the Nation in Reproductive Health Support
Queensland Premier Steven Miles emphasized the government's leadership in introducing paid reproductive health leave. He stated, "This means the women and men on our hardworking frontline have access to dedicated leave for things like IVF, endometriosis, vasectomies, or reproductive cancer screening."
The government hopes the private sector will adopt similar leave and superannuation arrangements for their employees. The 2023 Queensland Gender Equality Report Card highlighted the significant gap in superannuation between males and females.
Addressing the Superannuation Gap for Parents
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace acknowledged the need to address the superannuation gap for parents, particularly women. She stated, "When you look at the 52-week period made up of paid and unpaid [leave], when the unpaid kicks in, workers — majority women — lose out on superannuation payments."
The new policy will ensure superannuation payments for Queensland public sector workers throughout the entire 52-week parental leave period, regardless of whether the leave is paid or unpaid.
Calls for National Standard
The Queensland Unions General Secretary, Jacqueline King, called on the Albanese government to adopt a national employment standard for this leave, providing a safety net for all workers.
Opposition leader David Crisafulli expressed support for the 10 days of paid reproductive leave for public servants, emphasizing the importance of valuing and respecting public sector employees. He believes this initiative will contribute to retaining and attracting the best talent.