Minchin not keen on ALP parental scheme

Opposition Senate leader Nick Minchin has fuelled speculation that the coalition
will vote against Labor's paid parental leave scheme in the upper house.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has challenged the government to support his recently
announced paid parental leave policy, which would deliver 24 weeks' leave at full
pay.
The government's plan offers 18 weeks at the minimum wage.
Senator Minchin on Wednesday said there was "no doubt" the coalition would seek to
amend Labor's scheme in the upper house.
"We'll wait to see the Labor legislation when it comes to the Senate," he told
reporters.
"We'll consider it on its merits.
"(But) we may end up supporting an amended version of the Labor legislation.
"Then it will be a matter for the government as to whether it's prepared to accept
it in the lower house."
Earlier, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd urged the opposition not to play politics with
the issue.
"I would urge Mr Abbott to take a more constructive approach," he said.
"If Mr Abbott blocks the government's paid parental leave scheme in the Senate he'll
be punishing young families just to make a political point."
Greens leader Bob Brown says the Senate should look to improve the government's
18-week proposal, which does not include superannuation payments.
But he would not be drawn on whether the Greens would vote down Labor's scheme if
the government refused to budge.
"We want to get a parental scheme up but don't want the second-rate one the
government's got at the moment," Senator Brown said.
"If the Greens are sticking with 26 weeks, and we are at this juncture, are you
going to throw away parental leave? I don't think so. I think they (Labor) will be
sensible about that."
Independent senator Nick Xenophon wants changes too, but indicated he'd vote for
Labor's plan regardless.
"I don't think we should abandon the government scheme in the hope there'll be a
coalition scheme coming along after the next election," he said.
Nevertheless, he wants superannuation "looked at".
"That's one of the things I want to put to the government."



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