Productivity Commission inquiry into paid parental leave

Executive, 26 May 2008

Report adopted

The Productivity Commission (PC) - Paid maternity, paternity and parental leave inquiry Terms of Reference was announced by a joint media release of 17 February 2008 by Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Families Minister Jennie Macklin. The Commission will be asked to look at the economic and social costs and benefits of paid maternity, paternity and parental leave.

On 7 April 2008 the PC released an issues paper to assist preparation of submissions to the public inquiry.

The initial rounds of public hearings were held in Sydney on Tuesday 20 May and Wednesday 21 May 2008.

The PSA gave a verbal submission to the Inquiry based on recommendations endorsed by the PSA Executive on 31 March 2008 and the Unions NSW position which the PSA endorsed on 10 April 2008.

The verbal submissions were made by the PSA Women's Unit and by a PSA member who is currently on LWOP from the Australian Museum to look after her grandson as her daughter works for the private sector and is not entitled to any paid maternity leave. These submissions were well received.

Another PSA member who is currently on maternity leave form the Department of Commerce was unable to attend the Inquiry as her baby was sick but asked that we read her written submission to the Commission on her behalf. The submission was read with the Commission's permission and well received.

Written submissions to the PC inquiry close on 2 June 2008. The PC will release a draft report in September 2008 and will hold public hearings for the Draft report in November 2008. The final report is due on 28 February 2009.

The Women's Unit is currently preparing a written submission to the Inquiry for consideration by the General Secretary. It is envisaged that the draft submission will be ready early next week.

Editor's note: The PSA submission is now on our website