01 July 2010

Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts

The Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Peter Garrett, today welcomed the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme during a visit to the Babies Love Books program at Bowen Library, Maroubra.

“Australian families have been waiting decades for paid parental leave – from 1 January 2011 their wait will finally be over,” Mr Garrett said.

This scheme will provide up to 18 weeks’ government-funded parental leave pay at the National Minimum Wage (currently $570 per week) for eligible parents of children born or adopted on or after 1 January next year.

“The Paid Parental Leave scheme will give Kingsford Smith families much needed financial support so that they can spend more time with their new born babies. This scheme is fair for families and fair to business.” Mr Garrett said.

“Parents will get support to stay home with a new baby, children will get the best start in life and businesses will retain more skilled workers,” Mr Garrett said.

“This is a win win win for Kingsford-Smith families.”

Casual and part-time workers, contractors and the self-employed may be eligible for Paid Parental Leave, many for the first time.

The scheme is based closely on the expert recommendations of the Productivity Commission and is in Australia's economic interest.

The Government’s scheme should be provided in addition to existing efforts on employer-funded paid parental leave schemes. This will help local employers enhance the family-friendly workplace conditions many already offer.


The Paid Parental Leave scheme, which passed the parliament on 17 June 2010, means Australia will finally catch up with the rest of the developed world on this vital reform.

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