OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Submissions must be received by Friday 14th November and can be sent to: Parental Leave Inquiry, Productivity Commission, GPO Box 1428, Canberra City, ACT 2601, or emailed to: parentalsupport@pc.gov.au A copy of the draft report can be found online at : www.pc.gov.au
Local residents are encouraged to “have their say” on the proposed paid parental leave scheme being considered by the Federal Government.
Federal Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton MP said that it was important that all sectors of the community had input on the scheme, which would have a major long-term impact on Australian workplaces and families.
“A taxpayer-funded paid parental scheme has been debated for many years. The current proposal is for 18 weeks paid maternity leave at the minimum wage for those in the workforce and retaining a “baby bonus” type payment for those not in the workforce,” Mr Dutton said.
“The Productivity Commission is calling for input before it puts its final recommendation to the Government in early February. This is an opportunity for local residents to have their say, and I encourage them to do so.”
“If a scheme is going to be introduced the right balance must be struck – supporting all parents, encouraging workforce participation, and ensuring that we don’t impose too great a burden on small businesses.”
“We also have to make sure that all mothers, whether they continue paid work, opt out of the workforce for a short period, or choose to care for their children full-time, are treated fairly and equitably.”
Mr Dutton said he would discuss the views of local residents with the Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare, Women & Youth, Sophie Mirabella, so they were considered as the Coalition develops its policy.
“The current economic uncertainty is likely to put pressure on family budgets – so it’s important we look closely at the benefits and impacts of a paid maternity scheme. I’ll continue to fight for the needs of local parents and I encourage all interested local residents to have their say and make a submission.”
Federal Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton MP said that it was important that all sectors of the community had input on the scheme, which would have a major long-term impact on Australian workplaces and families.
“A taxpayer-funded paid parental scheme has been debated for many years. The current proposal is for 18 weeks paid maternity leave at the minimum wage for those in the workforce and retaining a “baby bonus” type payment for those not in the workforce,” Mr Dutton said.
“The Productivity Commission is calling for input before it puts its final recommendation to the Government in early February. This is an opportunity for local residents to have their say, and I encourage them to do so.”
“If a scheme is going to be introduced the right balance must be struck – supporting all parents, encouraging workforce participation, and ensuring that we don’t impose too great a burden on small businesses.”
“We also have to make sure that all mothers, whether they continue paid work, opt out of the workforce for a short period, or choose to care for their children full-time, are treated fairly and equitably.”
Mr Dutton said he would discuss the views of local residents with the Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare, Women & Youth, Sophie Mirabella, so they were considered as the Coalition develops its policy.
“The current economic uncertainty is likely to put pressure on family budgets – so it’s important we look closely at the benefits and impacts of a paid maternity scheme. I’ll continue to fight for the needs of local parents and I encourage all interested local residents to have their say and make a submission.”
