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.

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