Women returning to work winners in Queensland’s state budget

Queensland women will benefit from ongoing support for FW Jobs Academy after the state government committed to funding the groundbreaking program that one Brisbane-based graduate says is “destined to revolve” around women’s lives.  

The Crisafulli Government’s first budget committed to continuing its support for Jobs Academy, a fully-virtual program that is already supporting 500 women in the state return to work. It was part of a suite of promises targeted at uplifting families, with the government also delivering on a key election promise to fund a $20 million Returning to Work program to support women after having children, caring for family or illness. 

“In our last Queensland intake we had six applicants for every available spot. We’re very pleased that the Crisafulli Government is supporting this important program which we know is making such a difference for these women and organisations looking for capable, talented employees,” said FW founder and managing director Helen McCabe. 

In its 2025 intake, FW Jobs Academy received 1425 applications for 250 spots. 

Through Jobs Academy, I have learned the language of meaningful work for me, by me.

“Jobs Academy is a program that is destined to revolve around your existing structure 

If you are working, stay at home, part time, full time, surviving or thriving,” said Brisbane-based graduate Sairah Zubair Khan, who graduated from the program in 2022.

After spending years raising her children, Khan decided she was ready to return to work. However, she didn’t want to go back to the same industry she had worked in before.The Academy, which also receives funding from the New South Wales and federal governments, equips women with the knowledge and connections to return to work and thrive.

“When I entered [Jobs Academy] in 2022, I had an Allied Health Portfolio from the UK. Now in 2025, thanks to the funding by the government, I can add Google Certificate in UX Design, accountancy training [and] AI tools. I am a published writer. Through Jobs Academy, I have learned the language of meaningful work for me, by me.” 

Find out more about FW Jobs Academy here.