The Gillard Government's paid parental leave scheme, providing up to 18 weeks' pay at the Federal minimum wage, comes into full effect on July 1. Workplace relations lawyer Joydeep Hor, of People + Culture Strategies, says it's important for employers to understand their obligations, and the risks of not meeting them. While the payments will be funded by the government via the Family Assistance Office, employers are obliged to pass them on promptly through the employee's normal wage cycle. Paid parental leave should also be seen in parallel with current provisions for unpaid parental leave and flexible working for people caring for children. And care is also needed to avoid claims for adverse action under the Fair Work Act, or discrimination under state or federal legislation.
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