Some of you may know that the Federal Government has recently announced a Productivity Commission inquiry into the introduction of a paid maternity, paternity and parental leave scheme. You can read the terms of reference of the inquiry here.

I am pleased that the terms of reference include all forms of paid leave to accommodate the diverse work preferences of parents and encourage shared care. Given that it is women who give birth I think it is particularly important for the inquiry to examine how any scheme will impact on the health of mothers after birth and workforce attachment for women.

We have previously recommended as a minimum, a government-funded 14 week paid maternity leave scheme paid with two weeks paid paternity leave, at the level of the federal minimum wage. This proposed model ensures that small to medium businesses do not bear the financial and regulatory burden of an employer funded scheme. You can read my predecessor Pru Goward’s 2002 report, A Time to Value - Proposal for a National Paid Maternity Leave Scheme, for more information on HREOC’s recommendations.

It is time for Australia to play catch up and get on with the task of introducing a system of paid leave for mums and dads to deliver both long term economic growth and social well being. I encourage you to stay informed on the progress of the inquiry through the Productivity Commission website. Information on how to make a submission can also be found on this site.

Liz