Paid Parental Leave in Australia is a No Go

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The government is investing $731 million over five years to deliver a Paid Parental Leave scheme that will ensure Australians can participate in work, and participate in our recovery by balancing their family commitments. The Paid Parental Leave scheme will allow parents to maintain links with their employer and to receive an income whilst nurturing their child. From 1 January 2011, eligible parents will receive taxable payments at the rate at the Federal Minimum Wage of $543.78 a week for up to 18 weeks.

Firstly, This will cost us, the taxpayers, millions of dollars for a scheme that is not needed. We already have the baby bonus and family tax benefit B in place, why do we need an additional scheme that’s only major impact will be costing the taxpayers?

I’ll tell you why. Its a vote winner. The scheme is to be introduced on 1 January 2011, That’s after the next election! Kevin Rudd, you’re good aren’t you.

This scheme will hurt small businesses as women will be away from the workforce for 18 weeks instead of working there. The business can’t afford to hire someone for 18 weeks, especially in a skilled industry, 18 weeks would only be enough time for training, and then the women will be back.

Why should we, the taxpayers, have to pay for this ridiculous scheme?