I find it fascinating that those so resoundingly condemning the PPL which is a work related payment, aimed at getting experienced women back into the workforce, are generally those who are most vocal about maintaining unsustainable levels of welfare which contribute nothing to the ongoing betterment of the country.
It's important that our population grows. Particularly so with an ageing population. We want women to have the opportunity to have children and to contribute to society through workplace participation. We also want them to have the security of knowing they have jobs to go back to. Often jobs that many love. And we must not overlook the fact that as employers we have often made substantial investments in these people; training, education, coaching and development. We don't want to lose that investment in having them leave, have their children and then go work for someone else.
I haven't always be a fan of PPL. Heading up a large workforce with young executives off on maternity leave can be difficult under existing arrangements. Particularly so if the person in question works in a specialist area or is exceedingly good at their job. However, in my experience the people in question never completely 'deserted' their post. I found that my female executives still actively participated in many ways. They would call in for strategic meetings, review proposals along with my management team (their colleagues). They often came into the office (baby in tow) to complete performance reviews and the like. I would be surprised if most women in management level positions didn't do this.
The only question that I have with regards to Tony Abbott's proposal is, can we afford NOW. If not when can we. Let's be more accommodating of proposals that are work related and perhaps a bit less accommodating of ones that are just simply about handouts. And let's stop the 'welfare' for the rich bull. Women at all levels will benefit not just the so called rich..
