Veto of Paid Parental leave Bill is an affront to MMP

The Māori Party says the use of a financial veto by National to extinguish the paid parental leave bill is a slap in the face to MMP.

“The majority of MPs in Parliament support extending paid parental leave from 18 to 26 weeks, including Government support partners, United Future and the Māori Party,” says Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox.

“National didn’t need to place a veto on the Bill. They could have negotiated other options. Blocking the Bill at the third reading is a heavy-handed response.”

Māori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says the Māori Party supports the Labour-sponsored bill because first six months of a baby’s life are critical to their overall development.

“Research has shown that paid parental leave has benefits for everyone: parents, babies and employers. We see the extension of paid parental leave as a great investment. We’re disappointed that the Government hasn’t considered ways to phase this in over time.”

ENDS

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