The Australian Government has announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake an enquiry into paid maternity, paternity and parental leave, with its report due in early 2009. 

The ABN has indicated its interest in being kept informed of the inquiry’s progress, making a submission to the inquiry and discussion our submission at a public hearing - any input from our community is welcomed.

If you’d like to register your own interest, here’s a link to the online registration form; http://www.pc.gov.au/registrationforms/parentalleave.

Due to a high level of interest from Australians, the closing date for nominations to attend the 2020 Summit has been extended to 5 pm this Friday 29 February.

Click here for information about how to nominate for your chosen critical area of discussion.  The ten areas are:

• Australian Economy - future directions for the Australian economy - including education, skills, training, science and innovation as part of the nation’s productivity agenda
• Infrastructure - economic infrastructure, the digital economy and the future of our cities
• Sustainability and Climate Change - population, sustainability, climate change and water
• Rural Australia - future directions for rural industries and rural communities
• Health - a long-term national health strategy - including the challenges of preventative health, workforce planning and the ageing population
• Communities and Families - strengthening communities, supporting families and social inclusion
• Indigenous Australia - options for the future of Indigenous Australia
• Creative Australia - towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design
• Governance - the future of Australian governance: renewed democracy, a more open government (including the role of the media), the structure of the Federation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens
• Australia’s Future in the World - Australia’s future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world

Today’s Sydney Morning Herald article: Divorcees out in the cold, explained how women fare worse than men after a divorce and are often the ones that are left renting and in financial hardship. “Contrary to popular perceptions, women are more likely than men to fall out of home ownership after separation or divorce, and to suffer severe financial difficulties in keeping a roof over their head.” Learn more. http://tinyurl.com/yt8f33

How are you taking care of your financial future? Watch out for our quick-poll and suggested resources on women and finance.