From 1 January 2013, the Paid Parental Leave Scheme will be expanded to include the new “Dad & Partner Pay”. Under this new scheme, eligible working fathers and partners can get up to 2 weeks of Dad and Partner Pay to take time off work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. This applies to both heterosexual and same-sex couples.
Eligible fathers and partners will be able to claim up to 2 weeks’ Dad and Partner Pay at the rate of the national minimum wage (currently $590.00 per week before tax). Mothers or other parents don’t have to be accessing the Paid Parental Leave Pay for his/her partner to be eligible for Dad and Partner Pay. The Dad and Partner Pay applies to those parents who have a child (including adoption) on or after 1 January 2013.
The scheme is a government-funded payment. To apply for Dad and Partner Pay, contact Centrelink.
