Catalyst is proud to launch the first in a series of readers: Equality Speaks

Australia may have dodged the bullet that has put the US, Britain and most European economies on life support, but our new collection of essays shows that – despite our enviable economic position – Australia is not the egalitarian paradise that many believe it to be.

Equality Speaks features an eclectic mix of writers who highlight a common challenge – to use our (relatively) stable economic times to make the shift to a fairer Australia. It includes new research on the distribution of wealth in Australia.  And it brings together some of our sharpest minds to look at paths to a more equal Australia in areas like transport, homelessness, education, women, tax, refugees, work and employment amongst others.

Update: March 2010

For the lastest commentary of the Coalition’s Paid Parental Leave plan:
•    check out Marian Baird’s interview on Radio National’s Life Matters program.
•    Read the National Australian Foundation for Women’s article and open letter to members of Federal Parliament
•    Join our Facebook Group Women Won’t Wait for more discussion and debate

Catalyst congratulates the many organisations and individuals who worked hard to make paid parental leave a reality for Australian working parents. Although we are disappointed the scheme will be delayed until 2011 this remains a significant step for young mothers or fathers who will now receive up to 18 weeks government funded maternity leave.

Despite this achievement Australia still lags behind much of the developed world where standards are much higher. The World Health Organisations recommends a minimum of 26 weeks and many countries go beyond this – Canada: 28 weeks, United Kingdom: 39 weeks, Sweden: 47 weeks.