The Interim Report of the Senate Select Committee on Work and Care was tabled early this afternoon, with the report’s eight recommendations supporting the veracity of recent Australian Government policy announcements in the sector.
This builds on the momentum of the recent Jobs and Skills Summit, which started a national conversation about workplace flexibility, but with greater rostering certainty; balancing work and care obligations, and the importance of women’s, single parents’, participation in the workforce.
The committee engaged and listened to a wide range of stakeholders, including unions, regional and First Nations communities, and aged care and disability groups, among others.
Recommendation 6 of the Interim Report notes the Australian Government should legislate for 26 weeks’ paid parental leave as soon as practicable, substantiating the Prime Minister’s announcement over the weekend, and marking the greatest increase in the scheme since its creation.
The committee’s work is ongoing, providing a robust and renewed framework for the reform required in the sector, with upcoming public hearings scheduled in Brisbane and Gladstone, before a final report is due the second sitting Tuesday in February 2023.
The full report can be found here: Interim Report (aph.gov.au)
Quotes attributable to Senator Deborah O’Neill:
“The committee has built on the momentum of the National Jobs and Skills Summit to deliver an interim report which echoes the need for greater workplace flexibility and acknowledgement of the diverse needs of employees and the significance of caring responsibilities.
The committee has been thorough in its consultation with rural and regional communities, and has sought First Nations voices, to ensure the committee’s report and its recommendations are aligned with the best interests of a wide array of Australian communities.
The report highlights the substantial impact that 26 weeks’ paid parental leave will have on the care economy, and the benefits for women’s workforce participation and overall economic growth, which will be accrued because of this policy.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Linda White:
“Hearing from such a diverse, knowledgeable, and experienced group of carers, workers and working carers has shed light on the inadequacy of current support systems for these groups.
This report signals the need for greater flexibility and support for carers in our communities. The Albanese Labor Government takes this message seriously - which is why we are increasing paid parental leave to 26 weeks, making childcare cheaper and reforming the struggling aged care system.
These important reforms will benefit women's participation in the workforce and support workers with caring responsibilities.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Jana Stewart:
“It is critical that we give voice and visibility to the true extent of work and care responsibilities across Australia. This report gives voice to many, including regional and rural women, carers and advocates.
The Albanese Labor Government is working across a number of measures to ensure Australian families are supported to be healthy, connected and to thrive, including cutting the cost of childcare for about 1.26 million Australian families.”
