Pauline Hanson’s stance on paid parental leave and childcare could turn clock back by decades, economists warn

One Nation leader appears to suggest women should not be paid by employers while on maternity leave and calls for family income splitting

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One Nation could wind back the clock by decades for working mothers, damage productivity and worsen gender inequality, economists have warned.

In a controversial address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Pauline Hanson seemed to suggest women should not get paid by their employers while on maternity leave. She also hinted at major changes to the childcare system, and called for income splitting for families to help incentivise a parent staying home with their children.