Changes to the Government's paid parental leave scheme are
one step closer. On 15 September 2015, the Senate Standing
Committee on Community Affairs (Senate Committee) recommended the
Government pass the Fairer Paid Parental Leave Bill
2015.
If passed, the new paid parental leave scheme will bring changes
for many new parents and employers alike from 1 July 2016.
Employers who offer paid parental leave entitlements should
familiarise themselves with the impacts of the proposed scheme, to
ensure their benefits remain an effective employee engagement and
retention tool.
What are the current entitlements?
The Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 was introduced five
years ago by the then Labor Government. It was intended to improve
family wellbeing, encourage a lifetime attachment to the workforce
for women of reproductive age and acknowledge the value of children
in our community.
