Growing community support for eight more weeks paid parental leave

Community support for increasing paid parental leave continues to build with a new private members bill set to be debated in parliament this week.

“The strength of support for eight more weeks at home with our new babies has grown with the Tick for Kids coalition signing on to support the campaign,” said 26 for Babies Convenor Rebecca Matthews.

“Dozens of child wellbeing advocacy and health groups with a nationwide presence are part of Tick for Kids. Extending paid parental leave to six months is an issue that the experts – and voters – support. It’s time for all politicians to listen and invest in our smallest citizens,” said Matthews.

Tick for Kids spokesperson Lisa Woods said that the group had identified better support for parents to be able to focus on their young children as one of their top priorities.

“Sue Moroney’s bill to extend paid parental leave will give families more choice in that crucial first year of our babies’ lives. It will enable more mums to breastfeed for longer. Babies will be able to bond with their families at home for longer, and have all the benefits to health and wellbeing that provides.”

26 for Babies supporters will join Sue Moroney MP at an event at parliament on Wednesday 26 August, from 11-12 noon in Oliver’s Foyer, Ground Floor, Bowen House, Wellington.

ENDS

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