Encouraging signals on paid parental leave extension

There is good news for parents heading into Christmas, with promising signals of support in Parliament for an extension to paid parental leave, 26 for Babies said today.

Sue Moroney has today announced she will delay the reporting back of her bill extending paid parental leave to 26 weeks in order for the Government to reconsider its stance on the proposal.

“It’s great that National is going to take the time over summer to consider their stance on extending paid parental leave, and we are hopeful that they will come on board and support a significant improvement to the current 14 weeks,” 26 for Babies Convenor Rebecca Matthews said.

“Extending paid parental leave to 26 weeks would bring huge benefits for babies, parents and the workforce.”

“The public are right behind an extension of paid parental leave, reflected by positive public feedback we’ve had, the excellent support the bill received at select committee from individuals, community groups and health experts, and a One News poll in April demonstrating strong community support.”

“Todays development is great news going into Christmas for families who may have new babies on the way in the near future. We are thrilled with Sue Moroney’s work to put this issue on the agenda for Parliament to consider and getting the Bill through to a position where broad political support is seeming increasingly likely,” Rebecca Matthews said.

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