The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has launched a review into maternity leave for Commonwealth employees and is calling for submissions from APS staff and the wider community.
Announced by APS Commissioner Peter Woolcott, the Review of the Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1973 (ML Act) is to explore streamlining administration requirements; paid maternity leave entitlements; the health and career needs of birth mothers; and superannuation entitlements whilst on parental leave.
Mr Woolcott said the Act currently provided maternity leave entitlements for female APS employees and employees of certain other Government Agencies who were pregnant and gave birth to a child.
“The Review team is interested in hearing from the wider community and welcomes submissions from anyone,” Mr Woolcott said.
“Whether you are in Commonwealth employment covered by the ML Act or not, your unique experiences administering or taking maternity or parental leave will help to inform the review and its recommendations to Government.”
Mr Woolcott said submissions were open until 4 February.
According to the Terms of Reference, the Review is to consider reducing administrative burden by drafting terms in plain, modern language and reducing unnecessary prescription, process and complexity.
It is also to consider appropriate support for new parents, including whether current entitlements are consistent with Government Policy; how entitlements compare to those offered by private sector employers and State and Territory Public Services; whether to make provisions for parents other than birth mothers; and the availability of leave for obstetric appointments.
The Review is to consider the promotion of gender equality and inclusion by looking at how to provide parents with more choice in dividing their caregiving roles and how to balance women’s economic empowerment and choice with considerations around maternal and child health.
The Terms of Reference also direct the Review to consider how to improve flexibility under the ML Act; greater discretion to apply entitlements in individual circumstances, such as miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth; and making the use of parental leave more flexible.
Submissions to the Review can be made at this PS News link.
