Desmond Choo on Child Development Co-Savings (Amendment) Bill

The proposed amendments support young families, particularly in the pivotal role that fathers play in the child’s upbringing, said MP Desmond Choo. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Sep 18), he pointed out that with family structures evolving and competing caregiving responsibilities for the young and old, fathers want to actively participate in their child’s upbringing. Both fathers and mothers want to share the duty of caring for elderly parents, he added. Mr Choo said the proposed amendments can help families better cope with their caregiving responsibilities. Mr Choo highlighted two aspects of the Bill - the enhanced Government-paid paternity leave and enhanced unpaid infant care leave. He stressed the need for workplace support. He said the enhanced Government-paid paternity leave is a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to support fathers in shared parental responsibilities. These enhancements will benefit both employed and self-employed fathers. He wanted to know if the Government would consider setting a clear timeline on when this type of leave would be made mandatory to give clarity and impetus to companies in legislating them. As for the enhanced unpaid infant care leave, Mr Choo said many fathers will be assured if management comes out strongly to support them in taking leave to care for their newborns. He asked if the Government could broaden its work with the Trade Associations and Chambers and the labour movement to spread awareness of the availability and importance of paternity leave. Mr Choo said the longer-term goal would be to dispel the stigma associated with men taking time off for family responsibilities. He added that the unions and labour movement stand ready to help small- and medium-sized enterprises develop such policies.