If the goal is to ensure that women return to the workforce I don't think any system will work properly unless it allows you to be paid your current wage - I have read the bill (being a bit of a nerd) that was previously put forward and 'revamped' at the end of last year and it proposes to pay women minimum wage. As I am our primary income earner that would be completely useless to us.

I do agree however that if the employer is required to pay the leave they will simply stop hiring women of child bearing ages.

What I find curious is the strong public resistance to govt funded mat leave... given that all state and federal empoyees are currently entitled to 12 weeks leave at full pay - tax payers are already funding it - why not make it fair for those of us that don't work for the government... anyway, just my thoughts....