Parenthood pays off

THE introduction of paid parental leave for permanent members of the Australian Defence Force, under certain qualifying conditions, has been welcomed by Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Danna Vale.

The issue came to Minister Vale’s attention when a service couple, adopting a child, were not entitled to paid maternity leave, as adoption is not within the scope of the Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1973.

Subsequently, a provision for paid parental leave has been determined under section 58B of the Defence Act. It applies to new fathers, adoptive parents and women who do not qualify for paid maternity leave, and took effect on January 1.

Parental leave with one-week’s pay can be taken any time in the 66 weeks following the birth or adoption of a child, and counts as effective service.

The same determination also provides a means for reservists to suspend minimum training obligations while they care for their newborn or adopted child for up to 66 weeks from the birth or adoption of that child, as distinct from taking leave without pay.

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