It is time for John Key to stop playing politics and give prospective parents certainty about the Government’s plans to extend paid parental leave, Labour’s Social Development spokesperson Sue Moroney says.

“The Prime Minister today indicated Kiwis would have to wait for the election to discover what changes National is prepared to make to paid parental leave.

“If the Government was serious about helping parents, it would pick up my member’s bill which is already before Parliament and would extend the scheme from 14 to 26 weeks from July 1, starting with an extra four weeks this year.

“John Key didn’t hesitate when Sky City, Rio Tinto and Warner Brothers came calling, yet the phone is off the hook when it comes to New Zealand families and their needs.

“Expectant parents cannot plan for the arrival of their babies without knowing what support they will get from the Government.

“If National is serious about helping make life easier for Kiwi families, it would announce its plans sooner rather than later,” Sue Moroney says.

ENDS

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