The Parenthood Newsletter April 2024

Hello! 

It's been a big month at The Parenthood HQ so the Easter long weekend was a welcome pause. 

First up the Commonwealth Government announced it would include superannuation payments in the Paid Parental Leave scheme - a significant victory for gender equity and families!

The Parenthood travelled to Canberra twice in March to make the case for better policies to support children, parents and families. We have thrown our support behind a draft bill that would create a universal entitlement to universal quality early childhood education access, one year of paid parental leave and at least 10 infant and maternal health checks. 

Ahead of the next federal budget which will be handed down in May, we stood alongside a group of advocates and parliamentarians calling for a 25% salary increase for early childhood educators and teachers and the removal of the Activity Test. We have everything crossed that these changes will be included.  

Today we were delighted to learn that Sam Mostyn, a great friend of The Parenthood's and passionate advocate for universal high quality early childhood education and care, will become Australia's 28th Governor-General in July 2024.

And last but not least, do you live in a regional, rural or remote area? We invite you to join our mission and make an impact! Your involvement is key to success! 

Talk soon! Thanks for being here.  

Georgie

THE PARENTHOOD BACKS DRAFT BILL - MAKE IT LAW
In another visit to Canberra, The Parenthood and allies introduced a draft bill for universal access to early childhood education and care, extending parental leave to 52 weeks and mandating 10 health checks for kids and mums.
“Adequate paid parental leave and totally affordable, quality early childhood education and care are critical social infrastructure that every person should be entitled to, just like primary and tertiary education, superannuation or Medicare,” says our CEO, Georgie Dent.

BIG WIN! SUPER BEING PAID ON PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
The Parenthood applauds the Albanese government's introduction of superannuation payments to the Paid Parental Leave scheme starting July 2025. It is a significant advancement for gender equity and family support. This initiative, part of launching Australia's first national gender equality strategy, is a vital step in ensuring financial security for the families benefiting from the scheme. It represents a crucial victory in the long-standing campaign for gender equity, directly addressing the superannuation gap and underlining the importance of recognising caring for children as a shared and valued responsibility.