Page 46 - Marie Claire Australia (January 2020)

REPORTAGE

M U M ’ S T H E WO R D

Ten years ago Australia’s treatment of working mothers was woeful – we were one
of only two nations in the OECD that did not offer government-funded paid maternity
leave. But in June 2010, after women banded together with a “Push It!” campaign,
legislation was passed on Australia’s first Paid Parental Leave scheme. While it was
(and remains) basic – “primary” carers of a new baby are entitled to 18 weeks’ pay
at the minimum wage – it was a game changer for our working mums.

AU S T R A LI A

SAYS Y E S

On November 14, 2017,
love won. Australia voted
yes to finally legalise gay
marriage, and we celebrated
accordingly by flying the
rainbow flag and covering
ourselves in glitter. The
next year, same-sex couples
(including Kate and Heather,
right) joyously walked down
the aisle. But the road to
marriage equality was a
tough path to navigate,
as noted by Kate (on left). PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLY TIA; GETTY IMAGES; NEWSPIX.
“Watching the yes vote come
through was bittersweet,”
she said. “It was amazing
but it felt like we had to go
through a lot to get the same
right as everyone else.”

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