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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-09-05 Daily Xml
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WORK-LIFE BALANCE

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (14:45): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Having recently celebrated Father's Day, can the minister advise the chamber about some of the South Australian government's strategies to support men in balancing work and family obligations?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:46): Father's Day is a special day when fathers can spend quality time with their children—kicking the footy together, reading a book, going bike riding or even having a picnic at the local park (in the case of the Hon. Mr Hood, enjoying quality time with his young daughter in North Adelaide, which was quite endearing, I must say). It is a chance for fathers to enjoy some time out with their families.

However, it should not be just Father's Day when dads get to spend quality time with their children. In today's demanding work environment many parents, both mums and dads, are having to work longer hours to fulfil these demands and pressures, meaning they are missing out on an important family time. Achieving a balance between work and family commitments is the key. The state government recognises this need, and South Australia's Strategic Plan includes a work-life balance target, which is to improve the quality of life of all South Australians through the maintenance of a healthy work-life balance.

As the lead agency for this target, SafeWork SA has recently developed the Flexible work arrangements: parents and work life balance brochure. This publication provides information for parents on the benefits of flexible workplace arrangements, relevant entitlements available to working mums and dads, and useful contact details if further information is required. The brochure is available from the SafeWork SA website and at the SafeWork SA bookshop in the city centre. It is also distributed to participants as part of Safe Work Week in October.

Commencing on 1 January 2013, the Australian government's Paid Parental Leave scheme will provide eligible working fathers and other partners with access to two weeks' Dad and Partner Pay at the national minimum wage. This will provide important support for dads to spend time with their newborn babies. The addition of Dad and Partner Pay to the Paid Parental Leave scheme is another step forward in helping fathers spend quality time with their families after the birth of their child.

These initiatives (state and federal) all contribute to creating a positive work-life balance culture and environment in the workplace. Flexible work arrangements are a critical factor in allowing parents to participate and to be productive in the workplace, while also spending quality time with their families.

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