CFMEU: Paid Parental Leave scheme

The CFMEU is proud to inform members that children born or adopted from 1 January 2013 now come with two-weeks' paid Dad or Partner leave.

Dad and Partner Pay is a new payment under the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme, which took effect in 2011, after a strong campaign by unions, including the CFMEU (news archive Paid Parental leave scheme arrives 1 Jan 2011 ).

Paid Parental Leave is now available to eligible working dads or partners (including adopting parents and same-sex partners) who care for a child born or adopted from 1 January 2013.

It provides up to two weeks of government-funded pay at the rate of the National Minimum Wage (currently about $606 per week before tax).

Claims must be lodged by the dad or partner who is eligible to receive the payment. Claims can be lodged up to three months before the expected date of birth or adoption or within 12 months following their child’s birth or adoption.

More information about the value of such leave and eligibility requirements can be found on the Australian Government website.

There is additional information for Indigenous fathers or partners and in languages other than English