Minister asked to move on maternity leave

By Siobhan Callan

Federation has written to Education Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge asking that further negotiations take place over Federation's claim of 16 weeks' paid maternity leave.

In previous discussions with the Federation Senior Officers, the Minister indicated that Federation's claim would be considered in the context of impending increases in the maternity leave entitlements of other public sector employees.

Public sector best practice across Australia is now at least 14 weeks' paid maternity leave.

Teachers in NSW public schools currently have nine weeks' paid maternity leave. This consists of six weeks on full pay and six weeks on half pay.

An extension for NSW teachers is justified in order to bring maternity leave entitlements more closely in line with enhancements gained for public education teachers in other states and territories. The ACT, Northern Territory and Victoria have all achieved 14 weeks' paid maternity leave on full pay.

Adequate maternity leave provisions are a very important factor affecting the ability of teachers in public schools and TAFE to be able to meet the pressing demands placed upon them in trying to balance both work and family commitments.

Federation is anticipating that negotiations with the Minister regarding the maternity leave determination will justifiably result in an important increase in maternity leave entitlements for teachers in line with an anticipated NSW public sector breakthrough.

Siobhan Callan is the Women's Coordinator.

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