News briefs

Unions slam maternity leave decision

BRISBANE — Unions have criticised the state government's decision, announced on May 13, to grant six weeks' paid maternity leave to women in the Queensland public service.

State Public Sector Federation of Queensland general secretary Gordon Rennie said the union would not "knock it back", but would push for 12 weeks' paid leave in line with Commonwealth public servants. Queensland Nurses Union secretary Gay Hawksworth slammed the package, saying a decent paid maternity leave system would help overcome Queensland's shortage of skilled nurses.

Commercial plan for parks

BRISBANE — Conservation groups have vowed a major battle with the Queensland government if it makes moves for commercial development in national parks. Environment minister Brian Littleproud said on May 20 that he believed the integrity of the national park system could be protected while allowing commercial development on public land.

National Parks Association president Norm Traves replied that any such move would be "absolutely unacceptable". Rainforest Conservation Society president Aila Keto said development had been allowed in national parks before and had failed, particularly in the US.

From GLW issue 233