Unions, including the SDA, have long-argued for fair Paid Parental Leave for working Australian families.
The SDA continues to protect the current scheme, which aims to give new parents time off to spend with their newborn as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The current scheme also provides for Dad and Partner Pay, which is an important entitlement that may be available to you.
Dad and Partner Pay was introduced by the Australian Labor Government and came into effect on 1 January 2013.
The payment provides eligible working dads or partners with up to two weeks of Government funded pay. The payment is equal to two weeks at the rate of the National Minimum Wage. This payment is taxed.
Full-time, part-time, casual, seasonal, contract and self-employed workers may be eligible. Dads or partners have to be on unpaid leave or not working to receive the payment.
The payment can be made once the claim is finalised, or you can choose to take your Dad and Partner Pay at a later date, but within 12 months of the birth or adoption of the child. If eligible, your family can receive the Government’s Parental Leave payment for the same child for which you receive Dad and Partner Pay.
As an individual, you may be able to receive both Dad and Partner Pay and Parental Leave pay (but not at the same time). You can receive a maximum of 18 weeks’ pay under the Paid Parental Leave Scheme as an individual.
To see if you’re eligible, contact your local SDA Branch for specific advice or help and a copy of our Paid Parental Leave guide.
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