Changes to employment law and child care rebates over the past couple of years have provided parents with more incentive to re-enter the workforce. With an ageing population and women now making up for half of the workforce, these changes are long overdue.
There are 4 key changes - both current and pending – that will positively impact working parents. Make it your business to know the following:
Right to request flexibility
parents with children under 5 years of age or disable children under 18 years of age now have the right to request flexibility, Ask your employer about this new employment law and refer to www.fairwork.gov.au for more information. Or else, view the Fair Work Information Statement that employers must give all new employees from 1 January 2010 onwards: http://www.fairwork.gov.au/Pay-leave-and-conditions/Conditions-of-employment/Documents/Fair-Work-Information-Statement.pdf
Right to request up to 24 months of parental leave
Parents now have the right to request a further 12 months of unpaid parental leave beyond the normal 12 months. For more information, refer to the National Employment Standards (part of the Fair Work Act) found at www.fairwork.gov.au. Or else, view the Fair Work Information Statement that employers must give all new employees from 1 January 2010 onwards: http://www.fairwork.gov.au/Pay-leave-and-conditions/Conditions-of-employment/Documents/Fair-Work-Information-Statement.pdf
Government paid parental leave to be introduced Jan 2011
The Government will soon be introducing paid parental leave. Eligible employees will be entitled to 18 weeks of pay at minimum wage. This is means tested. To find out more about it, visit the following web page: http://www.familyassist.gov.au/PAYMENTS/FAMILYASSISTANCE/PAID_PARENTAL_LEAVE/Pages/default.aspx
50% child care rebate
The Child Care Rebate is not income tested.If you are using approved child care for work, training or study-related reasons the Government will provide you with 50 percent of your out-of-pocket child care costs, up to $7778 (indexed) per child per year. For more information, go ot www.mychild.gov.au or view the following fact sheet on the child care rebate: http://www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Resources/Pages/ChildCareRebate.aspx
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