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ARTICLE · 25 AUGUST 2010

Changed Parental Leave Rights for a Modern Society

Carroll & O'Dea
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The Fair Work Act 2009 has significantly amended the Federal Government’s previous approach to an employee’s entitlement to take leave upon the birth of a child.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
David Tarrant
David Tarrant
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The Fair Work Act 2009 has significantly amended the Federal Government's previous approach to an employee's entitlement to take leave upon the birth of a child. This reflects the changes in Australian society since the introduction of the first legislated parental leave entitlements in 1979. The 'normal' family unit no longer consists of dad going to work and mum staying at home to look after the children and so the terms 'maternity leave' and 'paternity leave' no longer exist in Australian legislation. A parent's entitlement to take leave upon the birth, or adoption, of a child is now referred to as 'parental leave' and is equally available to mum, dad, step-parents and adoptive parents whether they be married, de facto, same-sex or otherwise.

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