Queensland Government Provides IVF Leave for 265,000 Public Servants
With just months left before the upcoming election, the Labor government will introduce superannuation retirement benefits in addition to paid parental leave.
Queensland will provide public servants with 10 days of reproductive health leave annually, which includes coverage for IVF treatment.
Premier Steven Miles, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, and Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace revealed this new policy less than half a year before the state election.
The Queensland Labor government is set to face the polls on Oct. 26, 2024, with recent indications suggesting the Liberal National Party opposition is in the lead.
This new arrangement will impact around 265,000 public servants in the state and will cover chronic reproductive health issues such as endometriosis.
Moreover, those receiving leave will be able to utilize it for breast and prostate cancer screenings, as well as procedures like hysterectomies and vasectomies.
The implementation of this policy is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Superannuation Benefits For All
In addition to health leave, public servants will now receive superannuation contributions during unpaid parental leave periods as well.
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Currently, superannuation is only granted to those on paid parental leave.
The government justified this change by referencing the 2023 Queensland Gender Equality Report Card, which highlighted almost a 20 percent disparity in superannuation amounts between men and women.
Only 13.9 percent of women in Queensland can rely solely on superannuation for their retirement income.
From now on, state public servants will receive superannuation contributions for the entire 52-week period of parental leave, whether paid or unpaid.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace expressed her belief that no parents should see substantial gaps in their super statements.
“We understand the financial struggles that new parents may face, particularly in the current environment of rising living costs for everyone,” she commented.
The minister expressed her goal for the Queensland state government to become the preferred employer without hesitation.
She hopes that other organizations will follow suit with similar initiatives.
‘Special’: Queensland Union Secretary Who Conceived 2 Sets of Twins Via IVF
For Stacey Schinnerl, the Australian Workers Union Secretary, the announcement was particularly meaningful as she had two sets of twins through IVF.
She shared the challenges she and her husband encountered during their arduous and painful fertility treatments.
“This announcement will eliminate the need for public service workers to deplete their personal leave balances to address reproductive health issues, ensuring that sick leave is preserved for actual sickness,” she remarked.
“It’s also encouraging to see that this policy isn’t gender-specific—men will also have access to this leave for various men’s health procedures like prostate exams, vasectomies, and IVF preparation and involvement.”
Melanie Sibson, the managing director of major IVF provider Queensland Fertility Group, remarked that starting a family is a deeply personal journey that can cause significant stress and anxiety.
“Paid reproductive health leave will alleviate stress and make it easier for many people to enjoy the experience of starting their own families,” she stated.
Opposition Introduces $20 Million Program to Aid Women Re-entering Workforce
Meanwhile, the Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) opposition is set to present a $20 million “returning to work” financial aid package to assist women in returning to the workforce.
Under this program, women can receive grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses such as work attire, childcare, technology, and relocation if the party wins the election.
LNP leader David Crisafulli emphasized that women should not be excluded from job opportunities due to the financial burden of seeking employment.
