Productivity Commission inquiry into paid maternity leave and parental leave

The Australian Government has announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake an inquiry into paid maternity, paternity and parental leave.

The Productivity Commission will identify the economic, productivity and social costs and benefits of providing paid maternity, paternity and parental leave.

The Commission has been asked to report by February 2009.

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) recommends as a minimum a government-funded 14 week paid maternity leave scheme paid with two weeks paid paternity leave, at the level of the federal minimum wage.