4. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
What reports, if any, has she received on the uptake of paid parental leave?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister of Labour) Link to this
I have seen a report showing that in this September quarter $25.5 million was paid to almost 6,000 new parents. This brings the total paid parental leave payments to $316 million and the total number of recipients to almost 90,000 since our Government introduced the scheme in July 2002. I can report also that in the first 3 months of the scheme being open to the self-employed, 403 applications were approved.
Actually, I have. I have seen an extraordinary report that the Hon Dr Nick Smith is referring the scheme to the Human Rights Commission because it does not cover some seasonal workers. I acknowledge that issue, and assure the House that it will be included in the extensive review of the scheme that is already under way. But I would note the irony; the same member of Parliament who, for 5 years, has opposed this scheme and thus denied its benefits to all parents has suddenly become its most strident supporter.