News Flash

The Rudd Government's Paid Parental Leave Scheme has now been passed by the Senate. 

The scheme will come into effect on 1 January 2011 and provides 18 weeks payment at the national minimum wage rate. 

The payment and leave can be transferred to either parent and can be taken in the first year after birth.  The leave must be taken in one continuous 18 week period.  Payment will be treated in the same way as other taxable income.  Parents can opt for the slightly reduced lump sum figure in lieu of weekly payments.

The Federal Government's scheme is in addition to the improved benefits secured by the PSA for members in the recent 'Parity' Enterprise Agreement and in other Agreements.

An important element of PSA EB negotiations was to keep the two schemes separate, drawing a clear distinction between a community benefit provided by the Commonwealth Government, and employment conditions negotiated with the State Government as an employer.
      
The Commonwealth scheme may not apply to some casual employees, although it is intended to apply to persons working continuously in some casual and part-time situations.

Further details of the Commonwealth Government Paid Parental Leave Scheme can be found at www.australia.gov.au 

Further details of the Paid Maternity/Adoption Leave provided by the 'Parity' Enterprise Agreement can be found on the PSA website.

23 June 2010