Introduction
The Federal Government recently passed the Paid Parental
Leave and Other Legislation Amendment (Dad and Partner Pay and
Other Measures) Act 2012 (Act) which makes a
number of changes to the rules governing parental leave as well as
introducing 'dad and partner pay' for eligible employees
who take time off work to care for a new baby.
We explain the changes below and analyse the implications they
have for employers.
Dad and partner pay
Under the Act eligible dads and partners (including partners in
same sex couples) will be entitled to a payment of up to two weeks
'pay' from the Federal Government if they take leave to
care for a baby or newly adopted child born (or placed) on or after
1 January 2013. The leave must be taken during the first 12 months
of the child's life (or placement for adoption). The payment,
known as 'dad and partner pay' is calculated at the
National Minimum Wage (currently $606.40 per week gross).
