Pauline Hanson’s stance on paid parental leave and childcare could turn clock back by decades, economists warn
Summary
Pauline Hanson, One Nation leader, suggested that women should not be paid by employers during maternity leave and proposed income splitting for families to encourage a parent to stay home. Economists warn these ideas could reduce workforce participation by women, harm productivity, and increase gender inequality.Key Facts
- Hanson said if women are not working on maternity leave, employers should not have to pay them.
- Paid parental leave is currently not required by law, but many employers offer it to attract staff.
- The government will provide 26 weeks of paid parental leave at the national minimum wage starting July 1.
- Hanson supports income splitting, a policy where family income is combined and split for tax benefits, encouraging one parent to stay home.
- Economists warn removing paid leave harms women’s financial independence and workforce attachment.
- Income splitting might risk women’s financial independence if not designed well.
- Experts say limiting women’s workforce participation could reduce economic growth and increase the need for immigration.
- One Nation did not respond when asked if it supports government-funded paid parental leave.
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