An update on Paid Parental Leave in Australia
January 2011
Maternity Leave
Australia’s national Paid Parental Leave scheme started on 1 January 2011.
It provides eligible working parents with 18 weeks of Parental Leave Pay at the National Minimum Wage, ($589.40 a week before tax at 2011).
This Parental Leave Pay is fully funded by the Australian Government.
This can be taken by either parent, although most commonly this will be taken by the Mother who is normally the primary carer.
January 2013
Dad and Partner Paid Leave
Eligible working fathers and partners will be able to receive two weeks “Dad and Partner Pay” at the rate of the National Minimum Wage, the same weekly rate as Parental Leave Pay, ($589.40 a week before tax at 2011).
This payment is also for adopting parents and parents in same-sex couples.
Sources for more information:
- Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs: