In one of her first forays into policy development since last year's election, the leader of the Australian Democrats, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, has been doing the rounds of the Australian media today promoting her plan for paid maternity leave for women.
Stott Despoja has proposed a federally funded scheme, which she estimates to cost around $300 million, that would provide maternity leave for up to 12 weeks without penalising small business.
The Democrats leader argues that her policy is in the country's national interest. She says only about a third of working women in Australia have access to maternity leave.
This is the text of a media statement issued today by Senator Stott Despoja:
Leader of the Australian Democrats, Senator Natasha Despoja, has today called for a national approach to paid maternity leave in the lead up to International Women's Day 2002.
In Melbourne, Senator Stott Despoja congratulated Esprit clothing company on its adoption of up to 12 weeks paid leave to its 1300 staff, and said it was time for a national approach.
"Companies like this are leading the way, but for many smaller companies and businesses that employ women, concerns about cost will make it difficult for them to follow this example," said Senator Stott Despoja.
"The uncertainty needs to be taken out of paid maternity leave, and Australian women need access to minimum support topped up by local bargaining.
"The Australian Democrats call on the Federal Government to adopt a national approach to paid maternity leave. Small businesses cannot pay," said Senator Stott Despoja.
The Democrats' proposal recommends five key principles for a national scheme:
- Maternity Leave for all
- A system that does not penalise small business and those that employ women
- A public contribution recognising that we all benefit from the creation of the next generation
- A role for Government by providing a basic benefit that individual employers can top up
- Recognition that families need more than paid leave: Working parents need flexibility at work, permanent part-time jobs and affordable, quality childcare.
"The Government should replace the existing Maternity Allowance with a 12 week government payment at the minimum wage rate. This payment can be increased by employer contributions, locally negotiated.
"This scheme is fair. It assists business. It means that all working women will have some support.
"Action on this front would represent a real advance for women and businesses on International Women's Day 2002," concluded Senator Stott Despoja.
