Pauline Hanson’s stance on paid parental leave and childcare could turn clock back by decades, economists warn

‘I didn’t have a university degree to look after my children’ … Pauline Hanson hinted at major changes to childcare at the National Press Club. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

One Nation could wind back the clock by decades for working mothers, damage productivity and worsen gender inequality, economists have warned.

In a controversial address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Pauline Hanson seemed to suggest women should not get paid by their employers while on maternity leave. She also hinted at major changes to the childcare system, and called for income splitting for families to help incentivise a parent staying home with their children.