30 January 2008
Paid maternity leave works for women, families and employers
Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick has today welcomed the government’s reference for a Productivity Commission inquiry into the introduction of a taxpayer-funded paid maternity leave scheme.
“It is clear from talking to people around the country on my ‘Listening Tour’ that a national paid maternity leave scheme is still high on the agenda for women,” Commissioner Broderick said.
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) recommends as a minimum a government-funded 14 week scheme paid at the level of the federal minimum wage.
"It is important that small business not be adversely impacted by the cost or administrative burden of any scheme. Any proposal must not act as a disincentive to the employment of women," Commissioner Broderick said.
Ms Broderick said paid maternity leave was crucial for addressing the disadvantage that women workers face as a result of child-bearing.
“Workforce attachment is critical for women; they physically bear children, give birth and breastfeed and they can neither recover nor breastfeed satisfactorily if they are rushed back to work in order to pay bills,” Commissioner Broderick said.
She said Australia should be brought into line as a matter of urgency with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standard that countries should provide at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave.
“Australia remains one of only two OECD countries that do not have a legislated paid maternity leave system,” Ms Broderick said.
“We'd also like the government to consider forms of paid paternity and parental leave that could be shared by couples, but paid maternity leave is a necessary first step for Australian mothers who lack this basic workplace entitlement.
“Work and family balance in Australia is a challenge just as real as climate change and requires a national response.”
Media contact: Louise McDermott on (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
