Pauline Hanson says parental leave will force small businesses to ‘fold’ – despite no law forcing employers to pay
Summary
Pauline Hanson said that small businesses will fail if they have to pay for parental leave, but in Australia it is not required by law for employers to pay parental leave. Most businesses already provide paid parental leave, and employees can take up to 12 months of unpaid leave. The government will increase its paid parental leave support to 26 weeks starting July 1.Key Facts
- Employers in Australia are not legally required to pay for parental leave.
- Employees can take up to 12 months of unpaid leave under the National Employment Standards.
- Nearly 70% of businesses currently offer some form of paid parental leave.
- The government’s paid parental leave program will increase from 24 to 26 weeks at minimum wage starting July 1.
- Pauline Hanson said government, not businesses, should pay for parental leave costs.
- Hanson said small businesses cannot afford to pay for parental leave and may close if forced to do so.
- Labor officials said Hanson misunderstood the policy and that paid parental leave helps families without harming small businesses.
- The Nationals’ leader asked Hanson to explain her party’s change in position on parental leave.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.