Opposition urges Govt to support member’s Bill on split parental leave

WELLINGTON: The Opposition will try to introduce a new Bill today to give parents the flexibility to choose how to split their paid parental leave entitlement — but the Government is calling it a ‘‘political stunt’’.

National workplace relations spokeswoman Amy Adams said she could not think of any reason why the Government would not support the Bill to pass to a select committee.

‘‘It doesn’t cost any more. It doesn’t extend the entitlement. It really is just a matter of choice.’’

But Workplace Relations Minister Iain LeesGalloway called it a ‘‘political stunt’’ and could not commit to supporting the Bill because he had yet to see it.

The Government is passing legislation to extend paid parental leave from the current entitlement of 18 weeks to 22 weeks from July next year, and to 26 weeks from July 2020.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has previously said Ms Adams’ idea has merit, and if it comes to fruition, then the Opposition would be given due credit.

But she did not want to have it as part of the Government Bill because there were details that needed the scrutiny of a select committee.

Ms Adams said she would move in Parliament today to have her member’s Bill introduced.

‘‘I’m hoping all parties will support the Bill going to select committee. This approach can be a real winwin for the Parliament.’’

She said there was a surge of public support for the idea of splitting the paid leave.

‘‘You can think of any number of situations where parents might find it really useful to have the two of them home at one time — if you’ve had a Caesarean section and the mother can’t drive for six weeks, if there are twins, if one of the children has a medical condition.

‘‘We’re giving them a chance to do the right thing and back it, and allow parents to have that flexibility.’’

Mr LeesGalloway said Ms Adams’ previous attempt to amend the Government’s Bill was not workable, ‘‘fundamentally flawed’’, and did not take into account other changes to the Bill that would be needed.

‘‘I’m not prepared to commit us to any position on a Bill we haven’t seen, especially when the previous effort from this member hasn’t really been up to scratch.

‘‘The National Party seems to be in an awful rush, after nine years of doing absolutely nothing on this issue.’’

He said Ms Adams had not taken up his offer to work collaboratively on the issue.

‘‘Instead, she just slaps demands down on the table and issues a press release.

‘‘It looks more to me like a political stunt.’’

Ms Adams said the concept of splitting the paid leave was ‘‘simple’’ and, if necessary, her Bill could be amended after a select committee process but Mr LeesGalloway rejected that.

‘‘I would rather get it as close to right before we go to select committee.’’

He said the Government would look to introduce a better Bill early next year as part of other changes to employment relations law. — NZME