Australians are missing out, with one of the least adequate PPL schemes among OECD nations. As this policy impacts the start of a child’s life, and sets up a pattern for ongoing parental involvement, it is critical.
A parental leave scheme that provides one year of paid leave to be equally shared between parents supports key outcomes.
■ Support parents to care for a child at home for the first 12 months of life
■ Give both parents an opportunity to develop skills in caring for and forming attachments with their children.
■ Ensure mothers are able to maintain a connection to the workforce.
■ Provide opportunities for breastfeeding in the first 6 months of a child’s life where possible.
■ Financial implications - Providing families up to 12 months PPL, at full pay and to be equally shared, will lead to:
A GDP increase of $116 billion or 2.9 per cent by 2050 from higher female participation and productivity due to less time out of the labour market.
A 4.6 per cent increase in breastfeeding rates and associated long-term increase in labour productivity. This scheme will require an investment of an additional $7.6 billion
