COMMENTARY

Source: Family First article on Paid Parental Leave

Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months’ Paid Leave and Work Contact Hours) Amendment Bill.

The purpose of this bill is to extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks. Family First NZ supports the intention of this bill, and would like it to go further to allow Paid Father’s Leave of 2-4 weeks as well.

Families are being penalised for having children. We believe that successive governments have undervalued mothers – and parenting in general. The political and policy focus has been on the needs of the economy, rather than on the welfare of children and the vital role of parents. In reality, this policy would represent about 0.2% of the total government spending, yet research shows that the role of mothers and the early bonding between mums and babies is vital for healthy child development. The role of parents during the crucial early years of a child should be acknowledged.

Families should not be pressured to return to work simply because of financial concerns, and the Parental Leave scheme and other family tax breaks such as Income Splitting  and the removal of marriage penalty taxes  should support and strengthen families with young children.

WATCH THE VIDEO BY FAMILY FIRST ON PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

View these Centre Right NZ Political Party Policies and voting position on PAID PARENTAL LEAVE.

Note: Policies subject to change. Please check the Policy Links for the latest Policy if available. These are the voting positions of party leaders for the 2014 General Election as reported to Family First who asked the questions below. Please refer to the linked website ‘Value Your Vote 2014‘ for more information and updates.

PARTY	VOTING POSITION/ POLICY	Policy link
Questions asked for the 2014 election	Paid parental leave (6 months) Do you SUPPORT or OPPOSE a bill that extends paid parental leave to at least 6 months for either parent? GREEN answers support the Conservative position.
	Jamie Whyte OPPOSED	Policy link
	Peter Dunne SUPPORTS	Policy link
	Winston Peters SUPPORTS	Policy link
	John Key PARTIAL SUPPORT	Policy link
	Colin Craig SUPPORTS	Policy link

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About this organisation Family First is NOT a political party and has no intention to be one. Their role is to be a voice for families in the public domain, and to research and advocate for family and marriage issues.Family First has released its ‘Principles on Family’ – 11 principles highlighting the meaning and significance of the term ‘family’. While there are many forms of family in today’s society, these principles hold true as to what we need to encourage and protect.It has been adapted from “The Natural Family: A Manifesto” developed by the World Congress of Families. The World Congress of Families has been held since 1997 in Prague, Geneva and Mexico City, and was held in Poland (May 07). Note: The below image is a recent screen grab and may not be up to date. Click on the image to see the latest info.
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