Government announces paid parental leave changes

Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer yesterday unveiled reforms to Paid Parental Leave aimed at providing more flexibility to new parents. Until now, primary carers have had to take paid parental leave as one block of 18 weeks.

The proposed change, to come into effect on 1 July 2020, would allow the primary carer to take 6 of the 18 weeks at any time (and in any configuration) until their child turns two. For example, the 6 weeks could be taken as 6 blocks of one week, or one day a week for 30 weeks.

The other 12 weeks would still need to be taken in a block when the child is born.

The Bill has yet to be introduced into Parliament and may be subject to amendment before it becomes law.