In New South Wales, fathers who are employed in the public sector can look forward to up to 14 weeks of paid leave, allowing them to spend more precious time with their children.
The new plan is expected to take effect in October, and there will no longer be a distinction between a “primary” and “secondary” carer; instead, both mothers and fathers will be eligible for the service.
Premier Dominic Perrottet stated on Sunday that while most parents in Australia are eligible for paid main parental leave, just 12% of those who take it are males.
“While most parents in Australia are entitled to paid primary parental leave, only 12% of those who take it are men.”
The full 16 weeks of paid parental leave will be available to single parents who are taking care of their children.
Parents, including those who are employed in industries other than the public sector, will be eligible for a scheme known as “bonus leave.”
As part of the arrangement, which would be the first of its type in Australia, both parents would be required to take a total of at least 12 weeks off from work and use up any paid parental leave that was available to them.