The decision announced today by Northern Territory Chief Minister Clare Martin sets a new national benchmark for public sector maternity leave provisions in Australia. ACTU Secretary Greg Combet said he hoped the Federal Government and other States would follow the NT Governments lead in providing 14 weeks paid maternity leave. The Federal Government currently provides 12 weeks paid maternity leave. Entitlements for other state public servants vary from nil to 12 weeks. The NTs new 14-week standard is consistent with ACTU policy, the International Labor Organisations maternity leave convention and the recommendations of the World Health Organisation. "The Northern Territory Government should be congratulated for setting the pace on paid maternity leave entitlements in Australia," Mr Combet said. "Balancing work and family commitments is a critical issue for most employees. All working women should have access to 14 weeks paid maternity leave as a basis for building family friendly workplaces."