A Fairer Start for Mothers and Babies
Summary
Parliament is being urged to extend paid maternity leave to six months and ensure the policy covers women in both formal and informal employment. The proposal also calls for meaningful paternity leave, workplace childcare, and stronger protections against discrimination.
Key Points
- The article urges the Federal Parliament to approve six months of paid maternity leave without delay.
- It argues the policy must cover women in both formal and informal jobs, not just government or salaried workers.
- The piece says maternity benefits should be funded through a shared model involving the government, employers, and a social security fund.
- It also supports 42 days of paid paternity leave, workplace childcare, and stronger enforcement against discrimination and harassment.
