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Government Funded Paid Parental Leave Scheme Has Arrived!

Posted 4 January 2011 by Terri Macdonald (NTEU National Office)

The Federal Government's new Paid Parental Leave scheme commenced from January 1st 2011 and will provide improved support and financial security for new families.  New parents will receive 18 weeks pay at the Federal Minimum Wage (currently $569.90 a week) - or just over $10,000.

Importantly, the Federal Government Paid Parental Leave scheme is in addition to exisiting employer paid entitlements. As a result, employees working in the higher education sector now have some of the best parental leave conditions in Australia, with the NTEU negotiating paid parental leave periods of between 26 weeks (as a minimum) and up to 38 weeks in addition to the 18 weeks provided by Government. 

To find out more about the Federal Government's Paid Parental Leave scheme contact your local Branch office or go to www.familyassist.gov.au.