After a long wait, Australian women will catch up with their sisters in all other developed countries when the government introduces paid maternity leave in January 2011. The government-funded scheme will provide 18 weeks of leave paid at the federal minimum wage, for mothers of newborn and adopted children. This is in addition to the current 52 weeks guaranteed unpaid parental leave. (See the QWWS Parental Leave information sheet for more information about current entitlements). QWWS, along with many other committed has fought hard for the introduction of paid maternity leave for Australian women. Go here to read the Productivity Commission's final report into the introduction of paid parental leave. Go here to read QWWS' submission to the inquiry."