150,000 Australian families benefiting from Paid Parental Leave

The Gillard Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme has reached another important milestone just in time for International Women’s day, with more than 150,000 new mums applying since the scheme began.

Under this Labor Government, Australia caught up with the rest of the world, when we delivered the country’s first national Paid Parental Leave scheme.

Our scheme is helping working women take more time off with their new babies in the critical early months.

For many low paid, casual and part time workers, this is the first time they have had this support.

The Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme provides eligible working parents (usually the mother) with up to 18 weeks pay at the National Minimum Wage (currently about $590 a week before tax).

From next year Paid Parental Leave will be extended to provide extra support to new parents with two weeks Dad and Partner Pay.

International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the achievements of the women who campaigned tirelessly for Paid Parental Leave in Australia.

Paid Parental Leave is a win for women and a win for Australian families.

While the Government is getting on with the job of delivering for families with Paid Parental Leave, the Opposition can’t work out where they stand.

Tony Abbott’s ‘Rolls Royce’ plan for paid parental leave gives millionaire mums $75,000 to have a baby, while working families have to make ends meet on the minimum wage.

Tony Abbott’s Liberal colleagues don’t support his Rolls Royce scheme, with reports it is “practically friendless” in the Liberal Party Room.

The Gillard Government has been delivering Paid Parental Leave to Australian families for more than a year.

It’s clear that Tony Abbott and the Liberals will never deliver on their sham paid parental leave plan.

For more information on Paid Parental Leave visit the Family Assistance Office website www.familyassist.gov.au or phone 13 61 50.