Senate debates

Thursday, 30 November 2006

Questions without Notice: Additional Answers

Workplace Relations

3:00 pm

Photo of Eric AbetzEric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | | Hansard source

I have some brief further information in answer to the question asked by Senator Hogg. I have been advised that, other than executives, for new employees with the Commonwealth Bank acceptance of an AWA is not a condition of employment and they may choose to be employed under the relevant certified agreement. In relation to the issue of parental leave, I am told that in the AWA the standard clause is: ‘After 12 months employment with us, if you become a parent then we will provide parental leave; this may include paid leave of up to 12 weeks’—and on it goes, so there is a provision for parental leave as well.