New Greens leader backs reproductive leave

Taking over from Adam Bandt, staunch reproductive leave advocate Larissa Waters has been named as the new party leader for The Greens.

Elected to parliament back in 2011 after a career in environmental law, Larissa Waters has since been known for her advocacy in relation to women. Controlling the women’s portfolio for the Greens during her tenure, Waters pushed for the menopause and perimenopause Senate inquiry – which led to cheaper menopause treatments.

As part of the election campaign, Waters advocated for and introduced a bill that pushes for 12 days of reproductive health leave per year.

According to Waters at the time, the bill would ensure women can access flexible working arrangements during menopause and allow the Workplace Gender Equality Agency to recommence data collection on employers’ menopause policies and leave.

When first introducing the bill, Waters stated: “No one should have to suffer financially to manage their reproductive health.

“All employees, regardless of their gender, would be able to access reproductive health leave. Much like paid family and domestic violence leave, this leave would be accessible to all workers, irrespective of their employment status: casual, part- and full-time employees.

“Whether it’s for perimenopause and menopause, fertility treatments, chronic conditions like endometriosis or preventative screening for prostate cancer – it’s about supporting workers at every stage of life.”

Waters argued that all Australians, regardless of sex or gender, are likely to experience reproductive health issues at some point in their working lives, and many such health issues can take a serious physical and mental toll on workers.

“If someone wants to get a vasectomy or be with their partner for the first scan of their baby, they will be able to under this entitlement,” Waters said.

“Evidence to the Senate inquiry into menopause and perimenopause was that many women are leaving the workforce earlier to deal with their symptoms, whereas allowing them to access leave or request flexibility could see them continue in the workforce longer.

“By providing paid leave and adding perimenopause and menopause as reasons employees can request flexible working arrangements, this bill delivers on Australian Unions’ It’s For Every Body campaign and supports evidence given by HSU and ACTU during the Senate inquiry.”

She added: “We can have a society where everyone is able to manage their reproductive health, without leaving their jobs or suffering financial consequences.”

Speaking on her appointment as party leader, Waters pledged to approach politics “with heart”, working towards getting “outcomes for people and genuinely tackles the problems we’re all facing”.