Australia’s first Paid Parental Leave scheme starts on the 1 January 2011, however participation in the scheme will remain voluntary until the 30 June 2011 for employers. The Parental Leave Pay is funded by the Australian government (phew I hear you say) and will apply to most working parents, including full-time, part-time, self-employed, casual, contract and seasonal employees provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
The Parental Leave Pay will be paid to the employee for a maximum of 18 weeks at the National Minimum wage – which is currently $570 before tax per week. The child will need to be born or adopted on or after 1 January 2011 for the employee to be eligible.
So how does it work? If the press is to be believed it will be a simple case of the government paying the employer the funds, then the employer paying the employee with a little paperwork in between. How easy this will be in practice is yet to be seen, but is discussing with your bookkeeper for the 2011/2012 financial year.
For more information on what your obligations are as an employer, or to find out who is eligible please visit the Paid Parental Leave web site.
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The Parental Leave Pay will be paid to the employee for a maximum of 18 weeks at the National Minimum wage – which is currently $570 before tax per week. The child will need to be born or adopted on or after 1 January 2011 for the employee to be eligible.
So how does it work? If the press is to be believed it will be a simple case of the government paying the employer the funds, then the employer paying the employee with a little paperwork in between. How easy this will be in practice is yet to be seen, but is discussing with your bookkeeper for the 2011/2012 financial year.
For more information on what your obligations are as an employer, or to find out who is eligible please visit the Paid Parental Leave web site.
