Barriers preventing women from participating in the workforce are costing the economy more than $120 billion, according to a Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce report.

The report shows women spend less time working than men and up to 10 hours more per week doing unpaid care and housework.

WEET Chair Sam Mostyn AO told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings their goal would be to incrementally increase paid maternity leave to relieve pressure on women in the workforce.

“We’d be up there with the Nordic countries who have show this works; productivity lifts, education outcomes are better and women get back into work faster,” she said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the goals for paid maternity leave