Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Crossin for her question and acknowledge her campaigns for paid parental leave for Australian women and men throughout her time in politics. This government is very proud that we have delivered real reform for working Australians, especially with the paid parental leave scheme. The government's scheme is just one example of the important reforms we are making to support families.

I am pleased to inform the Senate today that since being introduced in January 2011 the paid parental leave scheme has received more than 140,000 applications from Australian families. As a result of Labor's reforms, families now have the opportunity to take the time they need to welcome and support a new child into their family. They no longer have to worry about their job security when they take a decent period of parental leave. I am also pleased to announce that 82,000 parents have already received the parental leave entitlement in full. These Labor reforms have provided essential financial security to people during one of the most important times of their lives. The scheme is also good for business in that it is based on recommendations by the Productivity Commission that said the scheme would not only support the health outcomes of children and mothers but also, as part of the arrangements we have put in place, encourage people back into work and training.

We have had large numbers of businesses registering for the scheme and we have had a successful operation of the scheme. This is delivering for families the sort of support they need. It is delivered through sustainable funding from this government. It is designed in a way that allows it to be affordable to the federal budget without putting an unfair burden on businesses. This is a responsible, balanced scheme delivered by this government after 11 years of neglect by the Howard government. (Time expired)