I knew Australia had a poor record for paternity leave but I did not know it was this bad. I just read in today’s Australian Financial Review that

“Australia is one of only two countries in the Western world that do not have government-paid [paternity] leave. The other [funnily enough] is the United States.”

And I knew Sweden had it good but I didn’t realise how good. According to the Economist

“In Sweden, a couple can take up to 13 months off work between them, with the state paying 80% of lost wages up to a ceiling of SKr24,562 ($3,425) a month.”

Luckily when we had my second son William my wonderful employer The Hiser Group paid me full pay for 2 weeks.

And it amazes me how many people think we are lucky to get the baby bonus – give me strength!

In the next elections, can Australians please vote for a government who cares about our social values, the environment and education – not our bloody economy!