I was so fortunate 21 years ago that my hubby worked for a company (Optus) that allowed him parental leave. It was very unique and forward thinking at the time and a lifesaver for us due to the traumatic birth and post-birth complications I suffered. It’s time more businesses took this on board.

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 01 Jul 2022 , 7:49 am

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  Wow that is very fortunate indeed for that time !

Pretty good idea. I just wonder How long it would take to get it. Centrelink already takes forever to process claims.

This is a great move forward as yes, society is changing. With the cost of living higher and childcare often expensive it’s difficult to have a parent not working and unpaid. Anything to create more equality with looking after children is a positive and gives dads a chance to enjoy the precious moments too and bond more.

I think whichever parent chooses to stay home with the child should be able to access parental leave – just not both at the same time as that is just cost of having a child and a personal decision to make not funded by the government.

I just love these changes

That would be amazing and give women more choice or even just help in the first couple months if not wanting that much time.

Although this all may sound very nice, I’m concerned about how this all will be funded

Does anyone think about the employer? Not only does he/she have to pay higher wages, but he/she has to pay them when no one is working. I am not an employer and wouldn’t be one for quid’s. If an employee gets $30 per hour, then the cost to the employer is roughly $60 per hour once you factor in superannuation, sick leave, long service leave and annual leave with leave loading as well as payroll tax to the government and that’s before this new maternity leave. It might be a lovely idea, but in the long term it will mean less employees will be employed and/or more small businesses will stop their business. It is a no brainer to me that most employers prefer casual workers who won’t require all the extras. Be careful what you wish for, moms.

This is a fantastic Change for parents!

The more leave the better. I wonder when the changes will come in.

This would be wonderful for so many couples.

Absolutely love this idea! Great for those dads who want to enjoy the newborn bubble!

About time!

I think this is a fantastic change that has been long over due
Hopefully it does happen partners are poorly over looked and this would help the primary care giver so much.

100%!! Paid Parental Leave is important! It’s especially important to give Dads a chance to have that dedication time and experience with their baby. Life is about having family balance. Work will always be there, you can always catch up to work, the leave can s time away, but most people work this extra time throughout their working lives so it’s a wonderful entitlement.

I think that women need to get longer paid parental leave. And yes, Dads should get a xhoixe for parental leave too. Paid for I’m unsure how long.

Absolutely! I went back to work way too early with both of my children. It was really upsetting both times. Their dad had two weeks at home and then was back to work doing long hours.

Yes definitely. I think a lot of dads would be happy about this.

40 weeks combined yes please!!!! I’ve just run out if paid parental leave after 18 weeks, living like a total pauper but my baby is still so little and breastfeeding how can i go back to work

Absolutely Yes for paid parental leave for dads. Mothers can get more help with the early years of caring for the delicate bub.