Did Channel 7 deceive us?

We at Salt Shakers always like to give credit where it is due, so congratulations must go to the Rudd government for their sleight of hand over Paid Maternity Leave.

The government gives 18 weeks paid leave ($9,774 - $543 x 18 weeks) with one hand and takes away $5,000 ('Baby Bonus) with the other. Thus they are really only giving 9 weeks paid leave. 

Those employees, of companies like BHP, who currently get employer-paid maternity leave + the baby bonus will also now lose out on the baby bonus.

On the other hand they should also be congratulated for giving stay at home mums more than working mums.
A full time parent will continue to get the 'Baby Bonus and the Family Tax Benefit Part B' which is estimated to be $12,000. 

There was a rumour that a paid maternity scheme would not be announced in this budget and the government received a lot of flak for that - so now they've announced a scheme that will not start until 2011.

Some thoughts on the issue. 

This plan will force businesses to retain positions for women for 18 weeks while they have a baby. 

It is a win for companies that now pay paid maternity leave because the government will pay the parent, rather than the company paying for the leave.

This, of course, would help the company pay the temporary staff who fill the gap.

The government states, "This historic Paid Parental Leave scheme will encourage women to stay connected to their jobs".
What that really means is that this move will encourage mothers with very young children to go back to work.

Many women decide to stay home only after their baby arrives but with this scheme they may have to make that decision beforehand.

What happens when a woman gets the government paid leave and then decides to leave their Job?

Is paid maternity leave really a good thing when it encourages mothers to return to work while they are still nurturing their children? We do not think so.

Peter Stokes
Executive Officer
Salt Shakers
03 9800 2855
0413 084 145

www.saltshakers.org.au

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