One more push on PML
NFAW is very concerned about recent statements that paid maternity leave may become a low priority for government in the next budget and urges Australian women to take quick action to push the government to introduce a national scheme immediately.
On 5 November 2008, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Finance Minister, Lindsay Tanner, has added paid maternity leave to the list of items that will not be introduced due to the global financial crisis. This followed earlier reports that Wayne Swan, Treasurer, stated that paid maternity leave "might not be affordable next year due to the global financial turmoil."
NFAW has written a letter to all Cabinet Ministers, expressing their concern, and urges Australian women who want paid maternity leave introduced as a national scheme to also express their views.
How can you help?
You can contact the Prime Minister expressing your views.
Alternatively, send an email to all or any of the following Ministers who will be influencing the outcome:
Tell them that Australia needs a national paid parental leave scheme, and that you would like them to implement the scheme proposed in the Productivity Commission's draft report immediately.
Like giving birth, quick responses to changing conditions are required, with the occasional well-timed push!
Come on, you can do it!