Key facts
- Pauline Hanson claims small businesses will "fold" under the cost of paid parental leave.
- Employers are not legally required to pay parental leave entitlements in Australia.
- Employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave.
Pauline Hanson stated that small businesses would "fold" due to the costs of paid parental leave, despite the fact that employers are not legally required to pay these entitlements in Australia. Labor criticized her stance, suggesting she misunderstands the policy.
The debate highlights differing views on the role of government versus private business in supporting families during parental leave, with potential implications for small business viability and gender equality in the workplace.
Pauline Hanson has stated that small businesses would face financial collapse if forced to cover the costs of paid parental leave, a sentiment that has drawn criticism from the Labor party. Hanson's comments suggest a misunderstanding of current Australian policy, as employers are not legally obligated to pay for parental leave, although a significant majority do offer such benefits voluntarily. Employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid leave.
Hanson initially suggested that parents taking time off should not be paid, linking this to the gender pay gap. She later attempted to clarify her position, stating that while government-funded parental leave is acceptable, the burden on small businesses is too great. Data indicates that nearly 70% of businesses already provide additional paid parental leave beyond the statutory unpaid entitlement.
Starting July 1, a government-funded scheme will offer 26 weeks of paid parental leave at the national minimum wage. The opposition, including Tanya Plibersek, has accused Hanson of misrepresenting the policy and having a history of opposing paid parental leave. Nationals leader Matt Canavan also questioned the apparent shift in One Nation's stance.