On 1 April 2015 the full entitlement to paid parental leave will increase to 16 weeks. This will increase again on 1 April 2016 to 18 weeks. This means the entitlement will align more closely with Australia and the OECD average. Who is entitled to the increase?
- Those who have an expected due date on or after 1 April 2015; or
- For those adopting, if you assume the care for the child on or after 1 April 2015.
Note: eligibility depends on the due date, not the actual date of the birth. Did you know paid parental leave is transferable? A mother can transfer her full entitlement or share her entitlement with the father or her partner. The partner will need to apply to their employer at least three months before the birth to receive the transferred paid parental leave. If you have any queries about your rights to parental leave as an employee or your obligations as an employer to provide parental leave, contact one of our team.