The Sydney Morning Herald called me yesterday - on Mother's Day no less - for comment on the government's announcement re the introduction of Paid Maternity Leave. I'd only just read the news and couldn't believe it - finally Australia was going to catch up with the rest of the planet on this issue. Here's a snippet from SMH:
The Treasurer confirmed yesterday that 18 weeks' taxpayer-funded maternity leave would be introduced, but not until January 2011, after the next election.
The Government reduced the estimated annual cost of the scheme from $450 million to $260 million by scrapping recommendations for two extra weeks of paternity leave and absolving employers from making compulsory superannuation contributions during the maternity leave period.
The maternity leave measure recognises Australia has one of the lowest rates of female participation in the workforce among countries in the OECD.
From January 1, 2011, the primary carer of a newborn baby will receive $544 a week, the minimum wage, to stay home for 18 weeks. But the Government will means test the scheme, paying it only to mothers who earn less than $150,000 a year. Eligible parents will not be paid the $5000 baby bonus or family tax payments.
The decision to delay the scheme until 2011 may mean businesses contemplating introducing their own schemes would now reconsider.
It's unusual and disappointing that PML won't kick in until 2011 - a re-election promise I imagine.
On a lighter note, I passed on to SMH the contact details of a colleague of mine to comment on PML, and she is featured in today's SMH page 4 www.smh.com.au/national/mothers-welcome-maternity-leave-win-20090510-az7h.html Well done Nic!
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