Government promise falls short of maternity leave entitlement

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

07.05.04

Government promise falls short of maternity leave entitlement


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today labelled the government's leaked plan
for a maternity payment to replace the Baby Bonus as a 'Clayton's
maternity leave scheme'.

"The Prime Minister has failed yet again to bring Australia in line with
the rest of the OECD by introducing a national maternity leave scheme,'
Senator Nettle said. 

"The leaked maternity payment will not ensure mothers' rights to return
to work nor will it cover the minimum 16 weeks off work that the World
Health Organisation recommends.

"Unless a scheme ensures the continuing attachment to the workforce then
Australian women's rights to pursue a career will continue to be
restricted.

"The Prime Minister appears to be simply playing copy cat with the ALP
policy rather than taking the overdue step to introduce a genuine
maternity leave scheme.

"The Greens proposed a scheme that would deliver replacement income to
75% of women for 18 weeks, with a further 34 weeks of unpaid leave and a
right to return to work part-time.

"The Greens scheme is designed to provide the minimum period required
for a woman to recover from childbirth, to breastfeed and to bond with
her new child. It also provides flexibility for couples wishing to share
the period of leave.

"We propose a review of the scheme within three years with a view to
expanding the leave period to 26 weeks and unpaid leave to 18 months as
has recently occurred in the UK."

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146




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