The NSW public sector will offer 14 weeks of paid parental leave under a government plan to eliminate the distinction between primary and secondary caregivers and encourage parents to spend time raising their babies.
In an effort to encourage more men to take parental leave, the NSW government will also offer employees an additional fifteen days of paid leave if they share the leave equitably with their partner.
Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet said only 12 per cent of people taking primary paid parental leave in NSW were men. Credit: Getty
“While most parents in Australia are entitled to paid primary parental leave, only 12% of those who take it are men,” said Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet.
The changes, accounted for in the next state budget, will take effect in October.
Under current public sector regulations, only the parent considered as the primary caregiver can enjoy 14 weeks of leave, while the second parent can only access two weeks of paid leave at the time of the birth or adoption of their child. . There are 12 more weeks if they take care of the primary care tasks later and the other parent gets back to work.
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“Children don’t see their parents as‘ primary caregivers ’or‘ secondary caregivers ’as mothers or fathers,” said Treasurer Matt Kean. “Encouraging more parents to take parental leave is crucial to supporting all parents so that they can choose a career, have a family, or have both.”
The government said the bonus permit scheme is unique in Australia. To enjoy the extra leave, both parents – even if they are out of the civil service – must enjoy 12 weeks of parental leave.
“These changes to our parental leave offerings will encourage a more equitable sharing of care responsibilities from the beginning of a child’s life,” said Women’s Minister Bronnie Taylor.