The government must deliver on paid maternity leave if it is serious about equality, says Commission

25/11/2008

The Federal government’s significant move to become a party to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, is applauded by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, but may not excite the pregnant women of Australia.

“Just as the government hopes to send a strong message that Australia is serious about promoting gender equality, there is growing concern and that it may not deliver on paid maternity leave,” said Dr Helen Szoke, Commission chief executive officer. “The UN Convention requires the introduction of ‘maternity leave with pay… and without loss of employment, seniority or social allowances.’ However, Australia has exempted itself from these specific provisions since 1983.”

“Right now, the best way for the government to show that it is really serious about eliminating discrimination against women is to introduce universal paid maternity leave,” said Dr Szoke. “Paid maternity leave addresses some of the employment disadvantages and discrimination that women can experience as a consequence of having and raising children,” said Dr Szoke.

“The long-term benefits for business, such as the retention of the skilled workforce and increased productivity are also well known, and the costs to business are relatively small,” she said.

The Commission’s submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Maternity Leave supports a scheme which would see every woman entitled to 18 weeks paid maternity leave.

Employers would be required to administer the scheme on behalf of the government and continue superannuation payments for the duration of maternity leave.

The Productivity Commission estimates that it's proposal will cost around $530 million annually in net terms (of which taxpayers would contribute around $450 million and business $75 million).

Currently, just over half of women in the workforce have access to employer-paid maternity leave. Only 10 per cent of women on low wages have access, compared to 80 per cent of women on high wages. Casual, part-time, new employees and contractors are often not eligible.

This contributes to the workforce disadvantages for women including lower numbers in top jobs, more in the casual and part-time workforce, lower average wages and less financial security compared to men. “Paid maternity leave is not a luxury item for the economic good times, and the Government and business cannot justify a further delay in introducing it,” said Dr Szoke. “Then, we can whole-heartedly celebrate Australia’s commitment to the promotion and protection of women’s rights.”

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Maternity Leave is available from our web site.

Dr Helen Szoke is available for interview.

Media contact Janeen Lynch 0419 33 77 34