Federal Government’s improved Parental Leave Policy – great step forward for families and employers
Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has welcomed the pre-budget announcement by the federal government that they will be increasing government funded paid parental leave to 26 weeks.
Quotes attributable to Lisa Annese, CEO, Diversity Council Australia:
“DCA has long advocated for improvements in paid parental leave as a key support for gender equality at work, and is thrilled that the government is moving towards six months of gender-neutral paid parental leave to encourage shared care by both parents.
“We are particularly pleased to the government taking a shared care approach and encouraging both parents of a child to share the leave between them.
“Paid parental leave is an important measure for women’s economic security, and is good for ‘families, the community, business and the economy.
“But policies that don’t encourage sharing of care mean other parents miss out on the critical chance to bond with their children and set shared care and housework habits that will last a lifetime.
“This parental leave policy also includes greater flexibility and will support more birth parents to return to work and contribute to improving the concerning life-long earning issues attributable to the gender pay gap.
“This new minimum entitlement is a terrific step in the right direction for working families and parents, and business.”
Media Contact: media@dca.org.au
See Also: Prime Ministers Statement – Boosting Parental Leave