19 August 2003

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Progressives achieve cornerstone commitment on work-life balance

The announcement of a government work programme looking at the balance between work and life is an important example of the gains that can be achieved through constructive coalition government, Progressive MP Matt Robson says.

Progress on work-life balance issues was a cornerstone commitment for the Progressive at the last election – a top priority issue, which the party wrote into the coalition agreement with Labour. The government today announced an integrated work programme to develop family-friendly and other policies promoting work-life balance.

“As the Jobs Party, work for all who can work is the Progressive’s top priority, but it’s not work for the sake of work — it’s work to enable everyone to enjoy a fulfilling life. There needs to be a balance between work and the enjoyment of life outside work,” Matt Robson said.

He is promoting a Bill in Parliament that would ensure everyone has a minimum of four week’s annual leave, and sees the bill as an example of the progress that can be made in improving the balance between work and life.

“Coalition governments are good governments because, in a coalition, a party like the Progressives can push an issue such as work-life balance onto the agenda, and our coalition partner accepts it is an important issue.

“However governments alone can’t solve the balance between work and life. It is also an issue for employers and for the attitudes we all have to work. The Government can play a valuable role in leading a public dialogue about the issues,” Matt Robson said.

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