Mary Henry (Independent)

I had children at a time maternity leave did not exist. It was considered that the world would come to an end if maternity leave was introduced but that did not happen and women became more popular as employees because they were needed in the workforce. Did the Minister of State's advisers take into account that the average family size is 2.1 children? It is not as if women will seek extra leave six times or more during their careers and, hopefully, not many will get sick anyway so the scenario will not arise where vast numbers of women will discommode employers by getting sick. I understand Senator Cox's point but this legislation should be as strong as possible in order that we do not have to revisit it in a short while.