Christian Porter (Pearce, Liberal Party, Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member opposite for the question. The measure that is included in the bill that is before the parliament would see 96,000 mothers, representing the lowest income participants in the paid parental leave scheme, receive an extra two weeks at home after the birth of their child and up to an extra $1,300. There used to be a time when the Labor Party's view was that the focus should be squarely on those who have the lowest income and the lowest means and the lowest ability to look after their own interests. What they do in opposing this measure in this bill is deny 96,000 mothers, the lowest income participants in the scheme, an extra two weeks and an extra up to $1,300 during that period of time. The system that we have at the moment gives rise to situations like the one that they have—

See this speech in context