Work and family balance task for commission

The establishment of the Families Commission is an important step towards tackling the balance between work and family commitments says Progressive Deputy Leader Matt Robson.

“Adopting policies to facilitate full employment with fair working conditions are goals of the Progressive Party. We would like to see the new Family Commission look at issues such as overwork and conditions in modern workplaces which can negatively affect families and children.

“Progressives committed to progress the needs of families for decent income and adequate holidays, and while the Commission is not tasked to look at issues such as four weeks leave, full employment, childcare, pay equity, and family tax issues we believe it will bring many key issues into focus.

Today’s announcement shows the value of constructive coalition government. The Families Commission funding of $28.2 milllion over four years announced today meets the priorities of both parties in the Labour Progressive Coalition Government as well as those of United Future which provides support to the government on confidence and supply,” said Matt Robson.

The Families Commission will be established by 1 July 2004. It will be an autonomous Crown entity, led by a board of up to seven part and full-time Commissioners, and will have responsibility for: advocating for families and promoting better understanding of family issues and needs amongst government agencies and in the wider community; promoting, purchasing and disseminating research into family issues; and contributing to policy development across the government as a key stakeholder on family-related issues.

The September 2002 Coalition agreement between Labour and the Progressives included a recognition of the Progressives commitment to balancing work and family.

“Progressives strongly support that issues such as family definition, size and structure are for people to decide for themselves,” said Matt Robson.

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