Media release: 26 for Babies
Thursday 29 May, 2014
National must not stop further increase to paid parental leave
26 for Babies is welcoming further progress of legislation to increase paid parental leave, but warns National that a
veto could undermine the good progress made in the budget. Finance Minister Bill English has indicated that government
may overturn Sue Moroney’s bill on financial grounds.
“Public support for Sue Moroney’s bill has been demonstrated over and over again,” said 26 for Babies spokesperson
Rebecca Matthews. “Submissions on the bill, public polls, and now another parliamentary vote show how much support there
is for parents having six months at home with a new baby.”
“National came up with a plan in the budget, to take us to eighteen weeks over the next two years. But the public wants
more, and this bill provides them with an opportunity to do more for our youngest citizens.”
Matthews said that National needs to re-think using an undemocratic financial veto and instead come to the table with a
plan for increasing paid parental leave over time.
“National needs to demonstrate that its commitment to further increasing paid parental leave is genuine. A financial
veto will do the opposite.”
Ends.