Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Increase to paid parental leave a start

Increase to paid parental leave a start but government must plan to do more

Today’s announcement of an extra four weeks paid parental leave in stages is a good development for New Zealand families, but must be part of a government plan to increase the leave even further over time, says 26 for Babies.

“Government clearly needed to take action to raise New Zealand from near the bottom of the OECD for paid leave with new babies,” said 26 for Babies spokesperson Rebecca Matthews.

“Public support for increasing parental leave was overwhelming, and Labour MP Sue Moroney’s bill demonstrates that most political parties agree. The Government had no choice but to act.”

“This extra month, while modest, will be welcomed by new families but needs to be part of a longer term plan to give babies more time at home with mum or dad. Ministry of Health advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of baby’s life, and this must be backed up with longer paid parental leave.”

“Sue Moroney’s bill to extend paid parental leave is still before Parliament and provides a good opportunity for National and Labour to work together to deliver six months paid parental leave over time.”

“It’s good that there is widened eligibility and an increase in the tax credit for parents who don’t qualify for paid parental leave.”

“Eighteen weeks paid parental leave will be a popular move, but twenty six weeks would be even more popular,” Rebecca Matthews said.

Ends.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.