Paid paternity leave could become a reality in PNG! Under proposed changes to the Employment Act, women on maternity leave in the private sector will receive full pay and entitlements before and after birth, with the same conditions available for their spouses. If the amendments receive the nod from stakeholders over the next few weeks, we could see the introduction of compulsory paid paternity leave.
IR (industrial relations) law is also being examined closely, so we may expect to see some positive changes to minimum wages, OH&S standards and industrial safety regulations. If the amendments are passed, we can expect to see them come into effect next year.
The changes will form the basis of a draft Bill and are expected to go before the National Tripartite Consultative Committee before an official announcement is made. The changes were approved earlier this year by the International Labour Organisation.