Survey: Australians want paid maternity leave

Survey reinforces that Australians want paid parental leave
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9 April 2009

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, called on the federal government today to take note of the results of a poll in which Australians overwhelmingly said they thought funding for a paid parental leave scheme should be Incorporated in the next federal budget.

“The results of the poll are further evidence confirming that the majority of Australians think we should have a national paid parental leave scheme funded by the federal government,” Commissioner Broderick said.

The Attitudes to maternity leave in Australia survey was conducted by Auspoll on behalf of the National Foundation for Australian Women, Unions NSW, the Commission for Children and Young People, Catalyst Australia and YWCA Australia.

Commissioner Broderick said it was particularly important to note that the poll found support for a paid parental leave scheme existed across the board, from women and men, from younger to older people, and across income brackets.

Commissioner Broderick said she recognised that the current economic climate presents real challenges for setting national budget priorities. However, experience from overseas had shown that paid parental leave contributes positively to strong economic and social outcomes, rather than being a burden on the economy. Australia remains one of only two OECD countries without such a scheme.

“This most recent survey shows that the Australian public are also saying that, particularly in these tough economic times, a national paid parental leave scheme is vital,” Ms Broderick said.

“Compared to the figures discussed for funding national stimulus packages and the national broadband network, at $452 million, the cost of funding a national paid parental leave scheme is small and eminently affordable.”

Commissioner Broderick said she had welcomed the commitment of the Australian Government to gender equality.

“A national paid parental leave scheme is a foundation reform that can no longer wait,” the Commissioner said. “I urge the Government to ensure that the scheme is included in the May Budget.”

Media contact: Brinsley Marlay 02 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529

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