28 Apr 2013

PM still says no to extended paid parental leave

9:02 pm on 28 April 2013

The Prime Minister says the Government is sticking to its guns over paid parental leave, despite a poll showing strong public support.

In a survey of 1009 eligible voters, 62% would support paid parental leave being extended from 14 to 26 weeks, at the expense of the Government.

Thirty-four percent would oppose it and 4% were unsure.

Those supporting an extension are more likely to be aged between 18 - 34, live in a household with children, and support either Labour or the Greens.

Mr Key says while the Government supports the policy in principle, it's currently unaffordable.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%.