Friday, 9 May 2008
Give all mums a Mother’s Day to remember by helping make paid maternity leave a reality
Do something for all mums this Mother’s Day by supporting the push for paid maternity leave, federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick has urged today.
“Let’s use Mother’s Day to not only celebrate the enormous achievements mothers make every day but to go further and celebrate the mothers of tomorrow by making a case for paid maternity leave to the federal government’s current Inquiry,” Commissioner Broderick said.
“With nearly 70 per cent of women of child bearing age in the workforce and only one third of women able to access paid maternity leave, this is a pressing issue for Australian women who must be able to care for their baby while retaining their skills and their job.
“This is especially important for women in lesser paid jobs or casual employment who don’t have access to any paid maternity leave.
"Paid maternity leave is long overdue and has the community support it deserves.”
The Productivity Commission is inquiring into paid maternity, paternity and parental leave. It is currently holding public hearings and is accepting submissions up until 2 June. Commissioner Broderick is encouraging all those who support the need for paid maternity leave to make sure that their voices are heard.
“Let’s harness this support and all work together to come up with a model that best supports women, men, business and the general community,” she said.
“Paid maternity leave ultimately benefits us all – if not our own children then the children of others who’ll one day be the mothers, doctors, miners, farmers and teachers of tomorrow.”
Submissions to the Productivity Commission can be emailed to parentalsupport@pc.gov.au or to read existing submissions go to www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/parentalsupport. A draft report is expected by September.
Media contact: Louise McDermott on (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
