ClubsNSW Sexual Harassment Templates and Policy
23-111 | 4 July 2023
Relevant for Directors, CEOs, Managers
Member clubs are advised that on 22 June 2023, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2023 (the Bill) was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives which will significantly impact parental leave entitlements under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act).
The changes to the FW Act will impact an employee’s entitlement to parental leave from 1 July 2023.
The specific changes include:
Changes to Government Payments
- The entitlement for eligible employees to receive paid parental leave will increase from 18 weeks to 20 weeks (more information regarding this change can be accessed at Circular 23-040);
- Introduction of a $350,000 family income limit (indexed from 1 July 2024); and
- The payments for eligible employees can be claimed in multiple blocks until the child turns two years old.
Changes to the FW Act
- Employee couples’ restrictions have been removed. Therefore, all eligible employees can take up to 12 months’ unpaid parental leave and request a further 12 months leave, regardless of and without impacting the amount of leave the other parent takes;
- Both parents are allowed to commence parental leave at any time within the first 24-month period following the birth or adoption of their child;
- Employees will now be able to access 100 days of the flexible unpaid parental leave during the first 24 months of the birth of the child. This has increased from 30 days;
- Flexible unpaid parental leave can be taken in the six weeks before the expected birth of the child; and
- Employee couples can take unlimited concurrent unpaid parental leave – this is currently capped at eight weeks.
Clubs are reminded that if you have an existing parental leave policy, the document will need updating to meet the above legislative changes. Clubs should notify employees of this change to the policy.
For further information, contact ClubASSIST on 1300 730 001 or via enquries@clubsnsw.com.au.