Fed: Gvt can't ignore maternity pay if community insists: Goward

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2001
Fed: Gvt can't ignore maternity pay if community insists: Goward

Sex Discrimination Commissioner PRU GOWARD says the federal government would be unable
to oppose paid maternity leave if there is wide community support for the idea.

Her comment comes after today the Australian Catholic University agreed to offer mothers
12-months' paid maternity leave.

Unions have hailed the offer as a major breakthrough in workplace relations.

But Australian Employers Federation director GARRY BRACK says while the agreement is
magnificent, it is unlikely to be emulated.

Employment Minister TONY ABBOTT says the government won't be pressing employers to
follow the university's lead, as it is happy with existing laws requiring unpaid parental
leave.

But Ms GOWARD has told ABC Television the government would have no choice but to support
the idea if there is wide support, because the government is the people.

AAP RTV rft/wz

KEYWORD: MATERNITY GOWARD (CANBERRA)

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