Paid Paternity Leave

A re-elected Gillard Labor Government will provide financial support for fathers and other partners to spend time at home with their new baby, or adopted child.

From 1 July 2012, Federal Labor will provide eligible working fathers and partners with two weeks Paid Paternity Leave at the national minimum wage – currently $570 a week.

The payment will provide financial support to fathers and other partners who normally have to take unpaid leave to be at home with their child.

Fathers and other partners who are providing full time care or sharing the child’s care, and who meet the work and income tests, will be able to access the payment.

A family may receive the paternity leave payment either on its own or in addition to other family payments such as the Baby Bonus, Paid Parental Leave and Family Tax Benefit. The mother does not have to be accessing Federal Labor’s Paid Parental Leav scheme for her partner to be eligible for Paid Paternity Leave.

Federal Labor understands time out from work can also be difficult for people who are self-employed, for example tradespeople, independent contractors or in a family business or farm. These people will also be eligible for Paid Paternity Leave to help them afford the time out from work to support their partner and spend time at home with their new baby, or adopted child.