Consultations on paid maternity leave

The National Foundation for Australia Women (NFAW) with Security for Women (S4W), with the support of the Commonwealth Office for Women, held consultations on the Productivity Commission's draft report  into paid maternity leave in Australia in each State during October and early November of 2008.  A further submission based on the consultations has been provided to the Productivity Commission.

The Productivity Commission was asked by the Federal Government in February 2008 to undertake a public inquiry into paid maternity, paternity and paternal leave, reporting by February 2009. The Commission put out a background paper in April 2008, followed by a round of hearings and submissions.   The draft report was released on 30 September 2008 for public comment.  The Commission will hold public hearings starting on 10 November.

The objective of the consultations being held by NFAW and S4W was to encourage women to respond to the draft report by writing their own submission.  Guidelines on how to make a submission and the submission cover sheet are available on the Productivity Commission website.

A fact sheet summarising some key elements of the Commission's draft proposals that are relevant to employers is available with other resources.  

The schedule and contacts for the consultation sessions were: