Australia politics live: Paid parental leave ‘not safe’ with One Nation, Plibersek warns; McKim says Greens want to ‘kill’ NDIS reform bill | Australia news
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has rejected claims by Pauline Hanson that comments regarding paid parental leave were taken out of context. Plibersek is promoting a government extension of paid parental leave to 26 weeks at the minimum wage rate, asserting that such benefits are “not safe” under Hanson or the Liberal Party.
Plibersek stated that Hanson previously claimed in 2017 that women “just get pregnant to get the money.” The minister argued that Hanson has been “completely unsympathetic” toward the financial pressures Australian families face when having a child.
Why is paid parental leave under dispute?
The dispute centers on whether comments about the motivation for having children were misrepresented. Plibersek claims that a few weeks ago, Hanson told individuals that if they “got the equipment,” they should have a baby and take time off work.
Plibersek alleges that Hanson is now “back-pedalling” following a negative reaction to these remarks made at the Press Club. The minister further extended her criticism to the Liberal Party, citing past comments from Scott Morrison and Joe Hockey who described mothers on paid leave as “rorters and double dippers.”
What are the new paid parental leave rules?
The government is promoting an extension that provides parents with 26 weeks of leave. This leave is paid at the minimum wage rate.
While the government is currently highlighting these details for political attention, the announcement is not a new development. The policy aims to address the financial stress associated with new children, a point Plibersek says Hanson ignores.
What may happen next?
Political tension could increase as the government continues to promote these leave extensions. It is possible that Pauline Hanson or the Liberal Party may issue further rebuttals to Plibersek’s characterizations of their stances on welfare.
The discourse may shift toward a wider debate on the “financial stress” of childcare, especially as the government uses these policies to contrast its approach with that of the Coalition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the extended paid parental leave?
The extension provides parents with 26 weeks of leave.
At what rate is the paid parental leave provided?
The leave is provided at the minimum wage rate.
What specific claims did Tanya Plibersek make about Pauline Hanson?
Plibersek claimed that in 2017, Hanson said women “just get pregnant to get the money” and that she has been unsympathetic to the financial stress of having a baby.
Do you believe that mandatory leave for the second partner encourages a more balanced distribution of childcare?