Are You Ready for Paid Parental Leave?

The introduction of Australia’s first statutory paid parental leave (PPL) scheme for the private sector begins on 1 January 2011, with eligible parents now able to lodge claims with the Family Assistance Office (FAO) for PPL instalments for children to be born or adopted on or after 1 January 2011.

The PPL scheme is government-funded and is designed to complement the entitlement to 12 months unpaid parental leave (and the right to request a further 12 months unpaid leave) under the National Employment Standards (NES).

PPL is intended to benefit employers also, through retention of staff and consequent reduction in training and recruitment costs, and potentially an earlier return to work.