The Wire

The chances of a federally funded maternity leave scheme being implemented remains uncertain after it was excluded from the $42 billion dollar stimulus package. National Senator Barnaby Joyce says the governments current financial situation and move towards a massive deficit means the federal government cannot afford paid maternity leave. Though many groups, like the Australian Council of Trade Unions or ACTU are still pushing hard for such a scheme to be included in the May budget. Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard is still favorably considering paid maternity leave as an option, but admits it will have to fit within budget restraints.