LABOR’S PARENTAL LEAVE PROVIDES MUMS WITH NO REAL CHOICE
18-June-2010
The paid parental leave scheme which passed Federal Parliament this week is nothing but a mickey mouse scheme which doesn’t provide working mums with real choice.
Federal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella, said the scheme is just a beefed up baby bonus scheme, with no consideration for working women or their employees.
“It is no longer unusual for both parents to be in the workforce out of necessity, and this scheme is still going to ensure both parents need to be in the workforce,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“The only people who are going to see the benefits of this are the women who are already working in industry where there is guaranteed leave through their enterprise agreements.
“There are many women who are suddenly going to find themselves on a markedly lower income, simply because the government refused to match the Coalition’s commitment of parental leave at the employee’s regular wage.
“The Coalition has committed to 26 weeks parental leave at replacement wage or minimum wage whichever is the higher, as well as superannuation – at the same time committing to families, parents and children.”