Plunket encourages further progress on Paid Parental Leave

Plunket is asking the Government to consider further incremental increases in paid parental leave in future Budgets following today’s application of the financial veto to Labour MP Sue Moroney's private member's bill.

The Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months' Paid Leave) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in April, seeking to extend paid leave from 18 weeks to 26 weeks.

The Government recently increased the entitlement from 16 weeks to 18 weeks, and Plunket encourages continued increases as future Budget conditions allow, Acting Chief Executive Amanda Malu says.

“Plunket recommends six months’ paid parental leave as socially responsible. These early months set the platform for a child’s long-term health and development. It’s a crucial time for the establishment of the mother and infant relationship, breastfeeding, and when parents adjust to their new way of life and build community connections, while all the time learning about the needs of their growing baby.

“Any extension of paid parental leave would undoubtedly ease some of the pressures faced by parents with new babies, and help to give those children the best start in life.

“Plunket nevertheless acknowledges this Government’s support for paid parental leave. It has incrementally increased entitlement from 14 weeks to 18 weeks, extended paid leave to customary adoptions as well as casual or seasonal workers, and introduced additional payments for parents of premature babies.

“These are all welcome steps, and Plunket encourages the Government to continue its progress on an initiative that underpins its stated approach to social investment - by investing in our most vulnerable and strengthening our communities.”

Plunket looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to the debate, Ms Malu says.

ENDS

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