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Questions and Answers
How much will this scheme cost?
The annual gross cost of the scheme is estimated at about $57 million once PTC savings and tax are accounted for. The new government money needed is estimated at around $42 million a year. This will cover the implementation and delivery of 12 weeks income replacement paid to a maximum of $325 gross per week.
How much will it cost my employer or me?
Nothing. PPL will be government funded.
Can I still claim 12 weeks leave if I intend to return to work six weeks after my baby is born?
No. To be eligible for paid leave you must meet the criteria set out under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act and actually take leave from work. So if six weeks leave is taken, we expect that six weeks leave can be claimed.
Will I have to pay the money back if I decide not to return to work after taking PPL?
No.
My partner and I both meet the eligibility criteria for PPL. Who is entitled to claim it?
Mothers can claim PPL in the first instance but can opt to transfer some or all of the leave to the other parent, either the child’s father or their same sex partner.
I have been working for the past 12 months but for several different employers. Will I qualify for PPL?
Not under the initial scheme, but this is one of the issues the government will be looking at in its first review of PPL which is set down for 2003.
My baby is due in June 2002. Will I qualify for any PPL?
If your baby is due before 1 July, you will only qualify for PPL if your baby is actually born on or after 1 July.
Will I have a chance to have a say on the final form of this legislation?
Yes. The bill will have its first reading in Parliament before the end of this year, after which it will be referred to a select committee for public submissions.
Where to from here?
PPL will be reviewed 12 months after it is implemented. This review will include an evaluation of the scheme’s longer term funding options and possible extensions to entitlements, including the period of leave and level of payment.
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