Happy Mothers Day: More Australian Mums benefit from Paid Parental Leave

Australian mums have an additional reason to celebrate this Mothers Day, with more than 48,000 new and expecting parents having applied for Government-funded Paid Parental Leave.

Paid Parental Leave gives parents the financial security to spend time at home with their new baby in the critical early months.

For many mums, particularly the self-employed and those in part-time, casual, seasonal or contract work, this is the first time they have had access to Paid Parental Leave.

The scheme also helps women stay connected to the workforce, and helps employers attract and retain valuable and skilled staff.

The Australian Government introduced this historic reform in January and more than 22,500 parents are already receiving Parental Leave Pay.

The Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme provides eligible working parents with Parental Leave Pay for up to 18 weeks at the national minimum wage (currently $570 a week before tax).

Parental Leave Pay can be transferred between eligible parents to give families more options to balance work and family.

Families who don’t qualify for Paid Parental Leave still have the option of the Baby Bonus and other family payments if eligible.

Parents can find out more by visiting the Family Assistance Office at http://www.familyassist.gov.au/ or calling 13 61 50.

Employers can find out more by visiting http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/home/index.htm or by contacting the Centrelink Business Hotline on 13 11 58.

Number of people who have claimed Paid Parental Leave by State/Territory

NB: Columns do not add to total due to some applicants not providing full details at this stage.