If you've ever doubted the power of the female vote just take a look at the paid parental leave policy Tony Abbott wheeled out on International Women's Day: 6 months at full pay... now we're talking! While the plan has plenty of critics, I'm not one of them. I reckon a system paid for by business, not individuals, is a good thing because:
1. Businesses in Australia don't pay that much tax - 30% tax is much lower than what most of us are paying
2. This is a simple way to deliver big benefits - I've seen first hand the millions of dollars spent every year in big business on employee engagement programs to explain how much employers care. But actions speak louder than words and 6 months paid leave would really show how important working parents are to business.
3. The payback of retaining women - particularly senior women - in organisations is real. During the first six months its extremely difficult for women not to be the sole carer and six months of paid leave will help during this period and encourage them back to the workforce thereafter.
4. As a society we can do so much more to support working families. I've been to Denmark and spoken with people there about the benefits of their social systems that encourage parents to spend more time with their young children. A shift in this direction would be a good thing for Australia.
So that's my view... and what is yours? We have 5 simple questions we'd love you to answer on this poll - click here to complete the poll or post your comments here on the blog.
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Colleen Walters commented on 17-Mar-2010 02:39 PM
Suzanne Elaine commented on 17-Mar-2010 06:35 PM
Colleen Walters commented on 17-Mar-2010 02:39 PM
I am a Canadian now in Australia and having had my two children in Canada with paid maternity and paternity benefits,(57% of your wage (capped) for up to one year split with both parents and little or no tax on this) I was really surprised arriving in Australia to find that this is not the case here. It is truly fantastic to BE with your children from the start and not worrying about the income or daycare arrangements when this bonding time is so crucial. I think it is fantastic and highly recommend that its voted in. I believe in Canada that it is partially paid by business through tax and partially through individual ongoing tax but I am not sure on the actual split.
Suzanne Elaine commented on 17-Mar-2010 06:35 PM
I don't agree with paid maternity leave in the format it has been suggested. I think it will be absolutely detrimental to women in the long term. There is an assumption by many people that businesses all make lots and lots of money. I'm here to tell you that making a profit isn't always that easy! So knowing this, I can also tell you that businesses simply don't need ANOTHER expense. Do people seriously believe that businesses won't take the extra potential expense into account when they are hiring a women in her "fertile" years? I believe maternity leave should be a user paid system governed in a similar manner to superannuation savings. The bottom line is people need to plan the financials around having a family. Children ARE expensive and sacrifices are usually necessary but they are indeed worth every cent.
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