Hanson Backtracks on Parental Leave

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek is slamming Pauline Hanson for flip-flopping on paid parental leave, accusing her of hypocrisy after initially calling for employers to stop paying staff on leave — a stance that Plibersek says fuels gender inequality. Hanson later claimed her comments were misinterpreted, arguing small businesses can’t afford it and taxpayers already cover government schemes. But Plibersek hit back, pointing out Hanson made the same argument a decade ago, suggesting women get pregnant for the money — and now she’s changing her tune to avoid backlash. Plibersek warns paid leave is unsafe under Hanson’s leadership, while also recalling past Liberal ministers like Morrison and Hockey who mocked mothers on leave as “rorters.” Meanwhile, a major policy shift is coming: starting July 1, the government will expand taxpayer-funded paid leave to 26 weeks at the minimum wage — a lifeline for working parents. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/96b752d1d1562da7