Employers provide Paid Parental Leave on behalf of the Australian Government — Services Australia. Currently employees can receive Paid Parental Leave for a continuous block of up to 18 weeks (90 payable days).
As of 1 July, this 18 weeks of Paid Parental Leave can be used in two ways – either all in one 18 week block, as it has been available, or in two parts. The two-part option allows an employee to choose to take a minimum of 12 weeks paid leave (60 payable days) in one block and use the balance as 30 flexible individual paid parental leave days to be used up until the child turns two.
The employee will be able to take up the two-part option from 14 September 2020.
Importantly, the employer will only be responsible for the initial 12 weeks and any flexible days specifically added to that block. Services Australia will be responsible for the provision of any other Flexible Paid Parental Leave days.
To learn more about these changes and what it means for your business, the South Australian Business Chamber members can contact the FREE Business Advice Hotline to have a confidential discussion on a range of workplace related issues.
