maternity leave

Expansion of paid parental leave a win for working mums and dads

November 1, 2022 by Madeline Lucre Leave a Comment

Substantial gains have been made for parents thanks to ongoing union campaigns to expand state and federal paid parental leave.

The changes to the NSW and federal parental leave schemes, aim to address the gender pay gap and boost womens’ economic participation and productivity in the workforce.

Changes to the NSW paid parent scheme came into effect last month, giving both parents access to 14 weeks of paid parental leave within the first two years of the child’s life and the ability to take leave at the same time. Parents who are employed at the same workplace are unable to take leave at the same time.Requests to extend this period can be made but will be subject to operational requirements.

Other changes to the NSW scheme, will now also allow long-term or permanent foster carers to access up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave. Public health nurses and midwives who have struggled with fertility issues are now able to access five days of paid fertility treatment leave.

The addition of fertility treatment leave is supplementary to the NSW government’s miscarriage or pre-term birth leave which was introduced in 2021 and is applicable to all public sector employees who suffer a miscarriage or pre-term birth.

Changes are also in the works on the federal level with the Albanese Government recently announcing the expansion of the federal paid parental leave scheme from 18 weeks to 26 weeks by 2026.

The federal government’s expansion of paid parental leave is aimed at encouraging more men to take up paid parental leave options and help improve women’s economic and workforce participation.

“Our plan will mean more families take up this leave, share in the precious time and share the caring responsibilities more equally,” Mr Albanese said.

The new paid parental leave scheme will allow the 26-week entitlement to be shared between parents, while single parent families will be able to claim all 26 weeks.

The proposed changes to the federal paid parental scheme come into effect in two years’ time, with parents receiving an additional two weeks leave from July 2024 up to 26 weeks by 2026.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has welcomed the changes to paid parental leave scheme, in NSW and federally.

“Nursing and midwifery are female dominated professions, it is encouraging to see governments finally listen to women and deliver reforms that will help keep women in the workforce and encourage a more equal distribution of paid parental leave within families,” NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish said.

The right to reduced hours after maternity leave

April 7, 2022 by Madeline Lucre Leave a Comment

I work in the public health system. My NUM told me that the only way I can reduce my hours when I get back from parental leave is to resign my job and go casual. Is that right?

No, you do not have to resign your permanent position and we would encourage you not to, as you will forfeit your rights to entitlements such as sick leave and FACS leave. When you return from maternity leave you have a right to request reduced hours, to manage your parental responsibilities under clause 34 D, subclause (i) (c) of the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award. I would suggest writing to your manager to outline your circumstances and request they reconsider your request. If this is further declined, please contact the Association for further advice and assistance.

Parental leave for primary carer

December 2, 2021 by Madeline Lucre Leave a Comment

I work part time at a nursing home run by Uniting. What paid leave am I entitled to when I give birth to my baby?

Clause 40.3 of the Uniting Aged Care Enterprise Agreement (NSW) 2017 sets out that permanent full-time and part-time employees can access paid parental leave of 14 weeks at ordinary pay if you have or will have completed at least 52 weeks of continuous service with the employer immediately before the expected date of birth. This also applies if adopting and you are the primary carer of the child.

Pre-term birth entitlements

December 2, 2021 by Madeline Lucre Leave a Comment

I understand there are new arrangements when dealing with a premature birth. What are these entitlements?

Again, from 1 July 2021, where a public sector employee gives birth to a pre-term child (prior to 37 weeks), the parent with the primary caring responsibility is entitled to paid special pre-term parental leave from the date of birth of the child (or children from a multiple birth) up to the end of 36 weeks in one continuous period. On commencement of the 37th week, your paid parental leave of 14 weeks then kicks in as per the relevant award. To be eligible, you would have – or would have had if not for the pre-term birth – completed 40 weeks’ continuous service at the expected due date. This is also contained in Premier’s Memorandum M2021-11.