The Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 outlines
who is entitled to receive parental leave entitlements and when. It
is complex legislation, but it is important that every employer has
a good grasp on what it means, so it is applied correctly.
There are different types of parental leave. In this article we
describe primary carer leave, extended leave, partners' leave
and special leave. We also touch on some of the key principles.
Primary carer leave (previously 'maternity leave')
Primary carers are entitled to 26 weeks of paid parental leave
if taken continuously. These payments are made by the Government
– the amount of which depends on what each employee earns
(but is currently capped at $661.12 and changes regularly).
