The website from Business Victoria provides comprehensive guidance on parental leave policies and staff support for businesses in Australia. It covers various aspects of parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, detailing both paid and unpaid entitlements under the National Employment Standards (NES). The site outlines the Australian Government’s paid parental leave schemes, such as the 18-week Parental Leave Pay and the 2-week Dad and Partner Pay, clarifying employer responsibilities for processing or record-keeping.
Furthermore, the resource delves into unpaid parental leave entitlements, specifying eligibility criteria for employees with over 12 months of service, including regular casuals, and clarifies the ability for both parents to take leave, often not concurrently, with provisions for extensions. It also addresses the rights of pregnant employees at work, such as the right to transfer to a safe job, equal access to opportunities, and protection from discrimination. The website offers practical advice to employers on supporting employees through pregnancy, during leave, and upon their return to work, emphasising the importance of maintaining good communication and having clear parental leave policies in place.