In an address to the National Press Club today, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced that he has dropped his signature $20 billion paid parental leave scheme in favour of a “families package”.
“This will provide more money in parents’ pockets to help them with their childcare costs when they want to go back to work.”
The Prime Minister’s office has confirmed he is going to co-announce a “families package” and the postponement of his signature paid parental leave scheme today.
The decision to drop this signature policy comes amidst speculation that Mr Abbott is set to face the hardest few weeks of his leadership yet. The Courier Mail have described this as a “make or break” time for his leadership, as several senior ministers have warned of a worsening situation within the LNP.
Despite this, Mr Abbott remains adamant that he will lead the LNP to the next election, with Treasurer Joe Hockey yesterday declaring his support for the PM.
Source: National Press Club Australia