The Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, has encouraged new dads and partners to take advantage of the scheme.
“Dad and Partner Pay gives eligible dads and other partners in Maribyrnong two weeks paid leave at the national minimum wage, which is currently about $606 a week,” Mr Shorten said.
“This extra support will give new dads the financial security to take some time off work when their new baby is born.
“They will be able to spend that time at home helping mum and bonding with their newborn in those important early weeks.”
Mr Shorten said Dad and Partner Pay extended the Government’s historic Paid Parental Leave scheme, which has been supporting local families since January 2011.
“So far, nearly 1,300 local mums in Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley have benefitted from the scheme, getting 18 weeks paid leave after the birth of their baby.
“For a lot of low paid, casual and part-time workers in Melbourne’s West, this is the first time they have had access to parental leave when a new baby is born.
“It has made a real difference not only to new mothers, but also their partners, other children and extended families.”
“And with Dad and Partner Pay, dads and other partners now have a bit of extra support as well.”
To be eligible for Dad and Partner Pay, dads or partners must:
- have worked at least 330 hours (just over one day a week) in 10 of the 13 months before the start of their Dad and Partner Pay period, with no more than an eight-week gap between two consecutive working days;
- have earned $150,000 or less in the previous financial year; and
- be on unpaid leave or not working and be helping to care for the child during their two weeks of Dad and Partner Pay;
Mr Shorten encouraged expecting parents to apply early for both Dad and Partner Pay and Paid Parental Leave.
“You don’t need to wait until the birth of your baby to start thinking about getting this extra support. You can apply up to three months before the expected birth date or adoption.
“It’s a great idea to get the paperwork done now, so that when the time comes, you can spend less time worrying about the finances and more time at home with your new baby.”
For more information go to www.australia.gov.au/dadandpartnerpay or call 136 150.
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Suburbs in the Maribyrnong electorate include: Aberfeldie, Airport West, Albion, Avondale Heights, Brooklyn (part), Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, Kealba, Keilor East, Keilor Park, Maribyrnong (part), Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, St Albans (part), Sunshine, Sunshine North and Tullamarine (part).
Media Contact:
Kieran Barns-Jenkins: 9326 1300 / 0421 838 878
