Small business operators would bear an unknown and unbudgeted risk under Labor’s plan for paid maternity leave, Senator Barnaby Joyce said today.

"Current economic circumstances have placed enough stress on small business and we don't need to contribute to this further."

“These are tough times and trying to budget a contingency plan for would-be mums will make the task even harder,” Senator Joyce said.

He said large firms would be able to estimate the costs from their workforce statistics and pass on costs to the consumer – but small business operators would not have the same flexibility.

“As well as paying their ongoing superannuation contribution for the new mum or dad, small business will normally have to fund an additional casual or part time employee to fill the gap,” Senator Joyce said.

He said the result could be a subtle shift in small business employment policies away from women planning for children – making it more difficult for those women to obtain full time jobs in that sector.

"Being a new mum is a rich and rewarding experience and an important job in itself. We do not want it to place further limitations on employment opportunities for women in the workforce."

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