Queensland to offer 10-day reproductive health leave to public sector employees

The Queensland government is introducing 10 days of reproductive health leave to public sector employees in a move that unions are calling a "massive win" for all workers.

"My government will lead the nation in introducing 10 days of reproductive health leave for all Queensland public sector workers," Premier Steven Miles said.

"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 new benefit is expected to benefit around 265,000 Queensland employees, including nurses, teachers, police, and firefighters, according to the government website. It will be implemented no later than end of September 2024.

'Massive win' for employees

Jacqueline King, general secretary of Queensland unions, said the announcement is a "massive win" for employees that will help attract and retain thousands of workers in the public sector.

"Queensland unions have been calling for the introduction of 10 days’ paid reproductive health leave for all workers through the 'Its for Every Body' campaign because reproductive health can affect every body, at every stage of their working lives and can have negative impacts on their capacity to work," King said in a statement.

Stacey Schinnerl, secretary of Australian Workers' Union Queensland, said the new leave entitlements will also mean employees will no longer have to exhaust their personal funds to address reproductive health issues.

"It is also great to see that this announcement isn't gendered – men will be able to access this leave for a range of different men's health procedures, such as prostate exams, vasectomies and IVF preparation and participation," she said.

Superannuation payments expanded

Meanwhile, the government announced it will begin paying superannuation for employees on unpaid parental leave starting July.

According to the government, this means superannuation will be paid for every single week of the entire 52-week period of parental leave for public sector employees, whether it's paid leave or not.

"We know women are disproportionately disadvantaged at retirement, and this will significantly help to minimise those financial challenges," said Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman in a statement.

The expanded superannuation payments come as the 2023 Queensland Gender Equality Report Card revealed that average superannuation balance gap between men and women was 19.8%. It also found that only 13.9% of Queensland women can rely on their superannuation as the main source of retirement income.

Unions also hailed the announcement, citing the move's contribution to reducing pay inequality between men and women in Queensland.

"We also welcome the extension of superannuation to unpaid periods of parental leave which will help to reduce the gender pay gap and recognise the value of primary and secondary caregivers returning to the workplace after their leave," King said.

The government is now calling on the private sector to introduce similar leave and superannuation policies to employees.

"I hope to see other organisations follow our lead when it comes to backing Queensland workers," said Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace.