Paid Maternity Leave one step closer
President of BPW Australia Marilyn Forsythe is relieved at the governmentÕs announcement today regarding a Productivity Commission inquiry into the introduction of a taxpayer-funded paid maternity leave scheme.
As an organization that represents working women BPW has been lobbying for paid maternity leave for all women for over 15 years. ÒThe right to paid maternity leave should not be dependant on your occupation, your employer or your negotiating skills,Ó said Ms Forsythe.
BPW believes that Australia should at the very least offer the minimum standard of 14 weeks paid maternity leave that is provided by the International Labour Organisation. ÒOur members find it hard to accept that Australia remains one of only two OECD countries that do not have a legislated paid maternity leave system," Ms Forsythe said.
With many business owners in our membership BPW is cognizant of the perceived impact of a scheme on small business. Ms Forsythe is fully supportive of the inquiry by the Productivity Commission and is confident that, as is the case in so many other countries, a scheme will be devised that benefits business, government and employees.
ÒThe lack of universal Paid Maternity Leave is just one of the factors that negatively influence pay equity in Australia, a major concern of BPW,Ó Ms Forsythe said.
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For more information contact
Marilyn Forsythe
President Website: www:bpw.com.au Ph: 0412 259 656
About BPW
Business and Professional Women (BPW) is an international organisation that educates and informs women, undertaking research and projects aimed at improving the status of women. BPW lobbies governments at all levels including the United Nations where it holds Special Category Status on current and emerging issues of importance to women.
Marilyn Forysthe BPWA President MOB: 0412 259 656