Polling commissioned by the Australian Greens* has shown that South Australians want to see a proper Paid Parental Scheme introduced, with 26 weeks of full wage support for mothers and an additional two weeks of support for fathers.
“South Australians want to see mothers and families supported with a proper paid parental leave scheme,” the Greens’ early childhood spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Labor’s scheme is a dressed up welfare payment and the Coalition’s is inequitable. Tony Abbott still hasn’t explained to the Australian people how he’s going to pay for the Liberal’s scheme.
“The Greens’ scheme is targeted at the families who need it most and it includes franking credits so that mum and dad investors are protected.
“If Tony Abbott wins the election, the Greens will work with the Coalition to improve their Paid Parental Leave scheme making it fairer, more affordable and better targeted.
The Australian Greens’ Paid Parental Leave scheme would see primary carers given 26 weeks of leave at full wage replacement up to $100,000 per annum and secondary care givers given two weeks of the same.
“Our scheme targets the families who are under pressure,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“Parliamentary Budget Office costings have shown that a small levy on Australia's biggest businesses, combined with a modest contribution from government, would support each and every Australian family.
“The Greens have been up front with the Australian people. We have explained how much our Paid Parental Leave policy will cost and how we would pay for it. It’s time for Tony Abbott to do the same.”
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