Maternity payment passes but maternity leave rejected

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

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13.05.04

Maternity payment passes but 
maternity leave rejected

Today both Labor and Liberal senators joined to defeat Greens Senator
Kerry Nettle's call for a genuine maternity leave scheme that, unlike
the government's maternity payment, would include a right to return to
work.

The senate today passed the government's maternity payment legislation
but rejected a Greens amendment that called for the adoption of a
maternity leave scheme.

"Even in the context of a massive handout to families neither Labor nor
Liberal will support a maternity leave scheme," Senator Nettle said.

"Today the ALP confirmed their about turn on support of maternity leave.
They have settled for the government's model which like Labor's Baby
Care Payment is not a true maternity leave scheme.

"Australia remains one of just two countries from the OECD that does not
have some form of maternity leave.

"The government have only addressed half of the problem for working
mothers who need financial support after their child is born and the
right to return to work.

"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 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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