From the Secretary

Paid parental improvements

Dear Member,

The NSW Government have made a determination that amends the policy around paid parental leave.

This includes:

  • The definition of ‘parent(s)’ in the paid parental leave policy will now include parents (employee or their partner) with responsibility for care associated with birth, adoption, altruistic surrogacy or ongoing placement of child or youth subject to a legal order.

  • Foster parents are now included in the policy, making them eligible to paid parental leave and all other entitlements stated within the policy.

  • Bonus paid parental leave of two weeks where each parent has used up any paid parental leave offered by their employer as well as for those who are either single parents or whose partner do not have access or as ineligible for employer paid leave.

  • Concurrency of paid parental leave will allow employees to take leave at the same time as their partners unless where both work in the same workplace.

  • Employees will be able to use their paid parental leave entitlements at any time within the first 24 month upon mutual agreement with employer.

  • Extra provisions for altruistic surrogacy and ongoing placement arrangements – will have an entitlement to take 12 months unpaid parental leave (out of this up to 16 weeks is paid leave and the remainder unpaid). They will also have the right to extend parental leave or return to work on part-time basis.

Employees will need to give the required notice as stated in the Award or the policy and provide appropriate evidence to support the requirement for leave.

These amendments took effect from 2 August 2024.

You can view the memorandum and determination at the below links:

Your union at work

This is a win for all our members. Members deserve to have control over their working lives!

Know your rights. Tell your colleagues now is the time to join. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.

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