When my brother and I were born, my mum faced a difficult decision. She had to quit her job to take care of us, driven by the lack of sufficient maternity leave that was both long enough and financially supported. As a woman  myself, I am determined to prevent a similar fate from being necessary for myself and others in Canberra, ACT.

Maternity leave is not just a personal preference but a societal necessity. Currently, Australia's paid parental leave policy offers up to 18 weeks of pay at the national minimum wage. This is a start, but it doesn't sufficiently cover the time needed for recovering from childbirth and fostering the crucial early developmental stages of a newborn. In comparison, countries like Sweden offer up to 480 days of paid parental leave per child, emphasizing both the health and wellbeing of the family unit.

Longer, paid maternity leave not only supports mothers in bonding with their children but also contributes significantly to both mental and physical health outcomes for both parent and child. According to a study by the International Labour Organization, effective parental leave can lead to improved maternal health, reduce infant mortality, and promote greater gender equality by balancing shared responsibility between parents.

By extending the duration and ensuring that maternity leave is fully paid, Canberra has an opportunity to become a leading example in Australia. This change will not only empower women in the workforce but also ensure that children receive the care and love they deserve during their earliest days.

We are calling on local government stakeholders, policymakers, and community leaders in Canberra to recognize the critical need to extend and ensure full pay for maternity leave. This is a call for progress—one that will provide immediate and long-lasting benefits to families throughout our community.

Please join us in advocating for this fundamental change. Sign the petition today and help create a future where no parent has to make the tough decision my mum faced. Make Canberra a place where family values truly thrive.