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One Nation Leader Says Small Businesses Cannot Afford Paid Parental Leave
The One Nation leader stated that small businesses cannot afford paid parental leave and that government funding is acceptable. Labor representatives said the comments showed a misunderstanding of existing rules. Nearly 70 percent of businesses currently provide additional paid parental leave.
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The One Nation leader said small businesses will fold under the cost of providing paid parental leave, even though employers are not required to pay these entitlements under Australian law. The leader clarified on Tuesday that government-funded leave is acceptable but maintained that the expense is too high for small operators.
The comments followed earlier remarks at the National Press Club suggesting parental leave contributes to the gender pay gap.
Under the National Employment Standards, employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid leave, but paid parental leave is not compulsory for employers. Federal government data shows nearly 70 percent of businesses currently provide additional paid parental leave.
A new taxpayer-funded scheme taking effect on 1 July will provide parents with 26 weeks at the national minimum wage, an increase from the current 24 weeks.
Nationals called on the One Nation leader to explain the apparent shift in position since last week. A Labor frontbencher said the latest statement was disingenuous and that One Nation does not understand how the policy works. The shadow minister for childcare said families, not politicians, understand the paid parental leave system they need and stated there are no plans to reduce access to the scheme.
