As Dutton declares his intention to make life harder for workers the Greens are doubling down on supporting workers rights with a groundbreaking reproductive health leave election policy.
Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women said:
"Every person in Australia, regardless of sex or gender, is likely to experience reproductive health issues at some point in their working lives. Many of these health issues can take a serious physical and mental toll on workers.
"While some people may simply need workplace flexibility, those who need paid leave to manage their reproductive health should be able to access it, without jeopardising their employment.
"That's why today the Greens introduced a bill to give every worker the right to 12 days of paid reproductive health leave per year. No one should have to suffer financially to manage their reproductive health.
"All employees, regardless of their gender, would be able to access reproductive health leave. Much like paid family and domestic violence leave, this leave would be accessible to all workers, irrespective of their employment status: casual, part and full time employees.
"Whether it's for perimenopause and menopause, fertility treatments, chronic conditions like endometriosis or preventative screening for prostate cancer - it's about supporting workers at every stage of life.
"If someone wants to get a vasectomy or be with their partner for the first scan of their baby, they will be able to under this entitlement.
"Evidence to the Senate inquiry into menopause and perimenopause was that many women are leaving the workforce earlier to deal with their symptoms, whereas allowing them to access leave or request flexibility could see them continue in the workforce longer.
"By providing paid leave and adding perimenopause and menopause as reasons employees can request flexible working arrangements, this bill delivers on Australian Unions' It's For Every Body campaign and supports evidence given by HSU and ACTU during the senate inquiry.
"Our bill also allows the Workplace Gender Equality Agency to again collect data regarding employer's menopause policies and leave, to paint a better picture of what's working.
"While Mr Dutton and the LNP do everything in their power to roll back hard fought for workers and women's rights, the Greens will always push to make employment work for everyone.
"In my home state of Queensland, public service workers already have access to reproductive health leave entitlements and the Greens think this should be available to all workers in Australia.
"We can have a society where everyone is able to manage their reproductive health, without leaving their jobs or suffering financial consequences.
"If you want to see that change this election, there is hope. The Greens are within reach of winning new seats across the country. With a minority government predicted, the Greens will keep Dutton out and get Labor to act."
Background:
As part of the election platform, the Greens will introduce 12 days of paid reproductive health leave per year in the National Employment Standards and modern awards.
The Bill introduced by Senator Waters in the Senate today does that as well as:
- Ensures women can access flexible working arrangements during menopause.
- Allows WGEA to re-commence data collection on employers' menopause policies and leave
