As part of this year's budget it was agreed that two weeks of paid paternity leave would be introduced from September of this year. To give effect to this, the paternity leave Bill would have to be passed by both Houses in the next few weeks. As it is on the list of priority Bills, when will we see the paternity leave Bill, will it be subject to legislative scrutiny and will it be enacted in time to fulfil the commitment that paternity leave will be available from September next?

That is the intention. It will be an issue for the committee to decide whether it requires legislative scrutiny, but the Government is treating it as a priority.

And published when?

Shortly. There is work being done on it.

Is it expected it will be in place-----

That is my understanding, yes.