Women

Childcare: ABC Learning Centres

Motion | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Tuesday 17th March 2009, 6:44pm
in

That the Senate
 
(a) Notes:
(i) the Government’s second prop-up of $34 million to keep ABC Learning operating until March 31, is due to expire in two weeks time; and
(ii) of the 241 failed centres due to sell or close, only 65 have been sold to date;

(b) Recognises that:
(i) This crisis represents an opportunity for childcare in Australia to transform from a market-driven industry to a vital community service and a government-supported first step in lifelong learning.

(c) Calls on the Government to immediately make available capital grants funds, and operational costs to assist not-for-profit childcare providers in taking over the remaining centres.

Human Rights: Death penalty in Iran

Motion | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Tuesday 17th March 2009, 6:40pm
in

That the Senate:

(a) expresses deep regret at the two stonings in Mashhad in December 2008;

(b) notes:
(i) reports received by Amnesty International highlighting that as many as eight woman are at imminent risk of being stoned to death for adultery in Iran; and
(ii) Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world;

(c) calls on the Australian Government to immediately urge the Iranian authorities to cease the punishment of death by stoning, and halt all remaining executions of those sentenced to death.

Time to deliver on paid parental leave

Media Release | Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young
Monday 2nd March 2009, 12:53pm
in

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Rudd Government to stop dithering on supports for working families, and introduce a paid parental leave scheme in this year's Budget.

The Productivity Commission is expected to deliver its final report to the Federal Government into paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave today, with the public release of the report a matter for the Government to determine in due course.