DPB Given New Wings by Paid Parental Leave

The Labour government's proposal to extend the paid parental leave scheme is a scandal and should be abandoned immediately says Libertarianz spokesman Caroline Aurora. "This is just DPB with wings," she says, "but it ain't gonna fly. It's just another government turkey."

According to a government evaluation, the scheme gives mothers financial independence and allows low income parents to be self-supporting - it is even claimed that the scheme will 'enhance parents' sense of self-worth' through 'society's acknowledgment of the value of motherhood.' These claims are made with a straight face.

"This is utter nonsense!" snorts Aurora. "If parents cannot afford to have children without sucking off the state tit to do so, then perhaps they should consider delaying childbirth until they can. To expect others to pay for your lifestyle and your children - simply in order to pursue your own 'self-worth' - is unacceptable to those of us who pick up your tab.

Further, according to Aurora, the scheme makes bad economic sense both for New Zealand businesses, and for responsible New Zealand parents. "Many small businesses already face the burden of compulsorily keeping jobs open for women having babies - businesses who can often ill afford the extra costs associated with this involuntary imposition; many responsible New Zealand parents hold off having children until they can afford it, and find instead that they are paying for someone else's child to be raised. It's just not right," says Aurora. "If people wish to voluntarily support parents in financial difficulty that is their choice, it should not be mandated by legislation. Neither the financial health nor the feelings of 'self-worth' of impecunious parents is the business of the state."

Aurora is adamant. "If women choose to have children then that's their business. They do not have the right to expect me to pay them for that privilege, nor to expect their employer to support their chosen lifestyle. Neither do they have any right to bear children they cannot support or care for adequately. Children deserve the best. Abolish the scheme immediately"

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