David CUNLIFFE

Labour Leader

31 January  2014         MEDIA STATEMENT

National putting politics ahead of parents

National’s consideration of extending paid parental leave is weak, two years too late and shows they are running scared, Labour Leader David Cunliffe says.

“Labour’s Best Start package is setting the political agenda and National is desperate to play catch up. Best Start has been such a hit with Kiwis no one remembers John Key’s state of the nation speech now.

“National’s claim today that it may provide an extension of paid parental leave by just four weeks is two years too late and shows the Government is out of ideas. Sue Moroney’s members’ bill to extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks has been debated in Parliament since 2012.

“National is desperate to divert attention with flags of convenience and backfill it's appalling record on PPL with a token gesture. If National wanted to extend paid parental leave the best way to do that is to work with Sue Moroney to pass her bill. That way longer paid parental leave could start from July this year.

“National is all over the place on this issue. First they said they would use the veto, then they said they might not. Now they will veto it but bring in a different bill.

“National is putting politics ahead of parents. And parents are sick of it. That’s why Kiwis support Best Start,” David Cunliffe says.

ENDS

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