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Paid parental leave is here!
posted: 6 April 2011
Australia’s first national paid parental scheme started on 1 January 2011. The scheme legally entitles women to paid maternity leave after a child’s birth.
Women earning less than $150,000 a year can take up to 18 weeks paid leave, currently set at the national minimum wage of $570 per week before tax. This will be the first time many women will have access to paid parental leave.
The Government will also maintain the baby bonus scheme, which gives cash grants of just over $5000 to new parents earnings less than $75,000 after a child’s birth.
Paid maternity leave is increasingly seen by employers to benefit their organisations. It is thought to increase the number of employees returning to work after maternity leave, which can provide a cost-effective means for employers to retain skilled staff.