Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector) Share this | Hansard source

I move government amendment (1) on sheet AF249:

(1)    Page 2 (after line 10), after Division 1, insert:

Division 1A—Object of this Act

3A  Object of this Act

        (1)    The object of this Act is to provide financial support to primary carers (mainly birth mothers) of newborn and newly adopted children, in order to:

             (a)    allow those carers to take time off work to care for the child after the child’s birth or adoption; and

             (b)    enhance the health and development of birth mothers and children; and

             (c)    encourage women to continue to participate in the workforce; and

             (d)    promote equality between men and women, and the balance between work and family life.

        (2)    Generally, the financial support is provided only to primary carers who have a regular connection to the workforce.

        (3)    The financial support provided by this Act is intended to complement and supplement existing entitlements to paid or unpaid leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child.