Paid Parental Leave Scheme
The Paid Parental Leave scheme commenced on 1 January 2011 and became compulsory for employers from 1 July 2011. The Paid Parental Leave Scheme does not give employees an entitlement to leave, instead it complements an employee's existing leave entitlements which are 12 months unpaid parental leave. Paid parental leave is fully funded by the Australian Government.
Paid Parental Leave is paid in accordance with the National Minimum Wage. Eligible employees will be entitled to up to 18 weeks paid leave. The paid leave must be taken over one continuous period and may be taken at any time within the first year of the birth or adoption. Families who receive Paid Parental Leave will not be entitled to receive
the Baby Bonus unless there have been multiple births.
We can assist employers in varying their policies and procedures to reflect the requirements of the Scheme so that they may effectively integrate the Scheme into their business.
For further information on the Paid Parental Leave Scheme please see our article 'Australian Government Paid Parental Leave Scheme'.
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