WAGES PARITY ARBITRATION PAID MATERNITY LEAVE

On Monday 28 February at 10.00 a.m. David Quick QC, opened the PSA's case for 14 weeks paid maternity leave. The difference between 8 weeks and 14 weeks paid leave was the subject of this case. Currently, employees are entitled to 4 weeks paid leave.

PSA's first expert witness Suzanne Hammond, presented her case and was then subjected to cross-examination, particularly in relation to international paid parental leave conditions and the differences in paid maternity leave across Australia.

PSA's second expert witness Associate Professor Barbara Pocock commenced her evidence late in the afternoon.

Professor Pocock will continue her evidence on Tuesday morning, 1 March.

As members have been advised, it is likely to be some weeks before the decision is handed down in this matter. The decision will determine the date any increases in paid maternity leave will apply as well as the number of paid weeks to be available to employees.



 28 February 2005