Australia's first national Paid Parental Leave scheme starts on 1 January 2011. The Paid Parental Leave scheme is government funded and available to eligible working parents of children born or adopted on or after 1 January 2011. The leave can be transferred to the other parent, is available for up to 18 weeks at the National Minimum Wage (currently $570 a week before tax) and can be taken any time within the first year after birth.
You may be eligible for Paid Parental Leave if you:
- are the primary carer of a newborn child or recently adopted child
- are an Australian resident
- have met the Paid Parental Leave scheme work test before the birth or adoption occurs
- have received an individual adjusted taxable income of $150,000 or less in the previous financial year
- are on leave or not working from the time you become the child's primary carer.
For more information on eligibility, payments, claims and frequently asked questions, go to the Family Assistance Office website from the link below.
