On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I am pleased to be attending the Unions Tasmania Women’s Conference today to announce our support for 12 days of paid reproductive leave per year.
Reproductive health issues have physically and mentally debilitating effects, and seriously impact sufferers’ ability to participate in the workforce. With no leave entitlements for people experiencing conditions like menstruation and menopause, this can lead to significant impacts and financial consequences.
We have already seen Queensland move to introduce paid reproductive for public servants. Tasmania has an opportunity to join this nation-leading effort.
Women, trans men, and gender diverse workers have for too long had to suffer under debilitating period pain and the impacts of menopause. This has serious impacts on the workforce of female-dominated fields, such as the caring industries and education
There must be a better understanding of reproductive health issues in workplaces, along with improvements to workplace conditions and leave entitlements.
By taking the lead on this issue Tasmania has the opportunity to make life a little bit better for people, while also making it more attractive to work here. It’s a win-win.
The Greens hope that other MPs from across the Parliament will get on board with this policy, and we look forward to discussing it in Parliament.
