Editor: Do you have an opinion on Abbott’s paid parental leave scheme?
Me: Why yes, I have several.
From here:
The introduction of a universal scheme in this country was about helping those women and their babies catch up to the rest of us. For one to now argue, when advocating for Abbott’s scheme, that what is most needed by mothers is to transform the entitlement so that the greater your income the greater the amount you receive requires tricky lines. Just ask Abbott.
Even economics writer Jessica Irvine floundered: “But why pay wealthy women more than poorer women for performing essentially the same act of raising a child?”, she asked. “High income earning women embody a lot of skills and know how that boosts not only their own economic productivity but that of their children. Studies show that the children of highly educated women have better income prospects themselves.”
That’s nice, but the reason children with wealthier mothers perform better isn’t good breeding – it is because of the advantages afforded by wealth. If anything, this is an argument for financial assistance for children of poor families, not wealthy ones. Women in rural areas are among those more likely to become low income parents, which is why some National Party members are also troubled by Abbott’s scheme.
There is also a greater good with generous paid parental leave. It keeps women attached to the workforce. As a nation, it makes economic sense to support generous paid parental leave for everyone because it fosters growth, generates tax revenue and reduces retirement welfare expenditure.
I believe I never miss a post on your blog… It is my favourite. But have I missed your commentary on the cuts to the SPP for single parents of children over 8? Single mums have been chucked off the Destroy the Joint Facebook page for mentioning it… And many Australian feminists seem to have a blind spot… With the exception of Eva Cox… Given the feminist imperative of economic independence for women… It amazes me it’s not the central current issue for all feminists in Australia & especially feminist mothers…
Karen, thank you. I completely agree with you. I have to admit I’ve tweeted about it quite a bit – including linking to Cox’s piece – but I haven’t written about it here. I really should have done a post on it, agreed. My apologies. As someone who grew up with a single mother I am appalled at the move.
Obviously you have no obligation to blog on any particular topic at all… its your blog! But I am relieved to hear its not a no-go zone here, as it seems to be on many feminist sites…
Karen I wonder if the lack of talk about it is also partly quiet despair. It is pretty black and white to me – terrible treatment of single parents. It’s a pretty big thing, you are right.
Great article. One of my favourite things about your writing is your ability to cleanly get to the heart of issues without attacking others unnecessarily. I have to say though, maternity leave is still needed for everyone. I fall into that category of ‘professional high earners’ whose access to maternity leave through employer is not certain… it matters a great deal to me what maternity leave scheme is in place for all.
I’ve been looking at Abbott’s idea and reserved judgement for two reasons, one stemming from the other. My first thought was “that just sounds stupid” and because I’m afraid or blabbing without knowledge, and being sleep deprived right now makes that even more likely, my second thought was “Hang on, is there something I don’t know, something that makes this a good idea? Is it ‘so crazy that it works’?”
But no, it’s just stupid. Thanks for confirming my gut.
[…] has written a piece at King’s Tribune, “The glorified baby bonus” in response to my article about Abbott’s more generous parental leave scheme in The […]
I love that in Australia people are discussing different schemes for maternity leave with an aim towards keeping women in the workforce. Meanwhile here in the U.S. last week the governor of Mississippi went on the record saying that the U.S. is doing so poorly in education *because* women are in the workforce. I wish I was kidding. barf. Can I move to Australia please? I’d rather be participating in your arguments.
[…] milk writes about the Australian Coalition’s parental leave scheme and adds a followup in response to […]
[…] milk writes about the Australian Coalition’s parental leave scheme and adds a followup in response to […]