Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Earlier today the Prime Minister referred to an $800 payment to seniors as a 'cash splash'. Instead of targeting seniors who have worked hard all their lives, shouldn't the Prime Minister scrap his unfair $22 billion Paid Parental Leave cash splash?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I don't know what the Deputy Leader of the Opposition has got against the women of Australia. I really don't know what she's got against the women of Australia. Why does she think—

Mr Husic interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I remind the member for Chifley that he is warned!

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

that a system which is right for public servants is somehow wrong for other people in the Australian workforce?

I do not wish to be personal, but members opposite, and indeed members on this side of the House, if they take parental leave, get paid at their wage. What is wrong with that? Why is it right for the member who asked the question to get parental leave at her wage and wrong for the rest of Australia to get it? I want a system which is fair. I want the same system which applies—

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Sydney has asked her question and will remain silent!

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

to public servants to apply to people right around Australia.

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I said: the member for Sydney will remain silent!

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That is why the government's fair dinkum Paid Parental Leave scheme is a watershed reform. It is good for families, it is good for businesses, it is good for the economy and it should be implemented by this parliament.