Key Points:
Employers should be reviewing their payroll systems and
processes. employment contracts and industrial instruments to get
ready for the Paid Parental Leave Scheme.
Employers should take note of the passing of the Paid
Parental Leave Act 2010 which introduces an unprecedented
government-funded Paid Parental Leave Scheme within Australia and
will impose a number of additional employer obligations and
administrative costs.
What is the Scheme?
Applications for paid parental leave may be made from 1 October
2010 and the Scheme will provide a maximum entitlement of 18
weeks' paid parental leave at the National Minimum Wage
(currently $569.90).
Paid parental leave will be available to primary caregivers and
adoptive parents who have a baby or adopt a child on or after 1
January 2011, and who meet the requisite work test, income test and
residency requirements.
