Coalition provides support for Curtin families
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Federal Member for Curtin Julie Bishop supports the Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott’s proposed new parental leave scheme which would give the primary carer six months leave at their actual salary, capped at an annual salary of $150,000 or the Federal minimum wage, whichever is greater.The scheme is bigger and better than Labor’s proposal which does not meet the financial or maternal needs of Curtin families.
“Tony Abbott has proposed a universal paid parental leave scheme which would allow Curtin parents up to six months leave, provide real wages between the minimum wage and up to $150,000 and would include superannuation,” Ms Bishop said.
“This is a generous scheme which is appropriate because we want to see more women in the workforce, and we want to see a greater balance between family commitments and work. This scheme also addresses the issue of the ageing of the population where we have to enhance workforce participation by all age cohorts particularly amongst women.
“Unlike the Rudd Government’s scheme, this proposal would not impose a new regulatory burden on small business because the scheme will be paid and administered by the Federal Government, through Family Assistance Offices.”
The Coalition would prefer to fund the scheme through a Budget surplus, however the Rudd Government has spent the surplus it inherited and run up a massive debt. The scheme could be funded through a levy on large businesses with taxable income above $5 million. This would affect approximately 3,200 companies and there would be potential offset savings for those large businesses that are already paying some parental leave.
Such a scheme would provide employees of smaller businesses with a benefit that is funded by larger businesses.
“The Coalition is committed to understanding the community’s needs and this policy is part of our broader package of support for families,” Ms Bishop said.
