Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

As I've already said in this debate, the bill before parliament does not make any change to the longstanding employer role. What it does give to Australian families is more paid parental leave than ever before. This, in turn, is good for them, good for their employers and good for the economy. The government has heard compelling evidence from women's groups, family advocates, economists and unions about how the employer role in administering PPL is important for promoting gender equality. Removing this for small business would be a backward step. We will not support this.