For a long time, Australia has been harboring a secret shame: Almost alone among developed nations, they don't have a paid maternity leave policy. It's absurd. What sort of wealthy country can't guarantee its citizens paid time off to care for their newborn infant? What does such an oversight say about the values of that country? Kevin Rudd, Australia's recently elected prime minister, swore to end the sorry state of affairs, but his plans for paid leave have been buffeted by the recession, which is costing the government billions in revenue. No matter, says Rudd. Maternity leave is "not negotiable."So come this time next year, Australia will join the ranks of the decent and have itself a paid maternity leave policy. Then there'll be only one developed nation so inescapably callous, so unconcerned with families, that they lack paid leave legislation. Us.Image used under a CC license from Aldo Risolvo. PAID MATERNITY LEAVE.
For a long time, Australia has been harboring a secret shame: Almost alone among developed nations, they don't have a paid maternity leave policy. It's absurd. What sort of wealthy country can't guarantee its citizens paid time off to care for their newborn infant? What does such an oversight say about the values of that country? Kevin Rudd, Australia's recently elected prime minister, swore to end the sorry state of affairs, but his plans for paid leave have been buffeted by the recession, which is costing the government billions in revenue. No matter, says Rudd. Maternity leave is "not negotiable."So come this time next year, Australia will join the ranks of the decent and have itself a paid maternity leave policy. Then there'll be only one developed nation so inescapably callous, so unconcerned with families, that they lack paid leave legislation. Us.Image used under a CC license from Aldo Risolvo. 
