Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, says her comments last week on paid parental leave were “totally taken completely out of context.” She now claims that requiring employers to fund parental leave would force small businesses to fold, despite existing laws not mandating employer contributions.
No Law Forces Employers to Pay Parental Leave
Under Australia’s National Employment Standards, employers are not required to pay staff during parental leave. Employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid leave, while the government provides taxpayer-funded paid parental leave. Federal data shows nearly 70% of businesses voluntarily offer additional entitlements.
Hanson faced backlash last week after telling the National Press Club that paid parental leave contributes to the gender pay gap. “If women take time off and they are not paid their wages because they’re not working, fair enough,” she said. “Why should business pay? That’s why the pay gap is there.”
Hanson Clarifies Position
On Tuesday, Hanson told the Seven Network she supports government-funded parental leave but believes small businesses cannot afford to pay. “It’s up to companies if they want to have it in their policy,” she said. “There’s no way, shape, or form that I am actually saying to get rid of it. I think it’s been very beneficial to women to get back into the workforce. That was totally taken completely out of context.”
She added, “There are businesses that cannot afford it. It’s OK for government, taxpayers pay for it. You put another pressure on small businesses, pay for maternity leave, they’ll actually fold.”
Labor and Nationals Respond
Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek accused Hanson of being disingenuous. “One Nation doesn’t even understand how the policy works,” she said. “Senator Hanson has said multiple times over almost a decade she doesn’t support paid parental leave. Obviously, Australian families have told her they want it and now she’s claiming she was taken out of context. But Senator Hanson is wrong – small businesses don’t need to force their workers to choose between career and family.”
Plibersek noted that families will receive almost $30,000 in total paid parental leave under the scheme starting July 1, which offers 26 weeks at the national minimum wage, up from 24 weeks.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan called on Hanson to explain the apparent policy shift. “The Press Club speech was considered a detailed view from One Nation, it would be a surprise if they’ve had to revise that within days,” he said.
Shadow minister for childcare Matt O’Sullivan said families, not politicians, understand what parental leave system they need. “We have no plans to wind back access to paid parental leave schemes. Paid parental leave is about giving families the choice and support they need.”
