A new poll has found that 67%, or 2 out of 3 respondents, of those surveyed support the broad proposal that all women should have access to government funded maternity leave. Perhaps unsurprisingly, support for maternity leave is most widespread among women and younger people.

However even most men (60%) and 45-54 year olds (57%) believe funding for maternity leave should be available. 55-64 year olds are the only age group mostly opposed to the proposal, with 54% saying no.

This research survey was conducted online in April 2009 with a total sample of 1703 Australian residents, segmented to be representative of the national population by age, gender and residential location.
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The ABC has reported that it is likely that the 2009-10 Budget will include some form of paid parental leave.

The Productivity Commission has recommended a taxpayer-funded scheme of 18 weeks paid leave at the minimum wage.

View the report on the ABC website.

A new AMP.NATSEM report has found that the gender divide in Australia has narrowed over the past 20 years but a man still has the potential to earn $2.4 million over a lifetime compared to a woman who earns nearly $1 million less.

View the ABC news report on this study or view the full report (She Works Hard for the Money) on the NATSEM – AMP  website.