A progressive new Industrial Award has been endorsed by the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA), with NSW Local Government set to become one of the first industries to offer 18 weeks parental leave at full pay to both mothers and fathers as an Award entitlement.
The parental leave provisions under the proposed new Local Government (State) Award 2010 will operate in conjunction with the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme.
Under the Federal Scheme, from 1 January 2011, eligible female and male employees will receive up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave instalments at the national minimum wage, currently $569.90.
Under the Award, female and male employees who receive paid parental leave instalments under the Federal Scheme will have their salary ‘topped-up’ to their ordinary rate of pay from 1 January 2011.
President of the Local Government Association of NSW, Councillor Genia McCaffery, said that the new Award is a better package for everyone.
“The new Award not only increases the previous Award paid maternity leave provisions from nine to 18 weeks full pay for mums, it’s also giving dads the opportunity to take that leave,” said Councillor McCaffery.
“Unlike the Federal Scheme, the period of paid parental leave will count as service for the purpose of accruing additional annual leave, sick leave, and long service leave and the employee will also receive superannuation payments.
“This is a unique and favourable aspect of our Award.”
President of the Shires Association of NSW, Councillor Bruce Miller, said working for council is an attractive option for people looking to start a family.
“This modern, non discriminating Award gives families the freedom to choose what works best for them,” he said. “The new parental leave entitlements will mean that councils can attract and retain the best employees, who might otherwise be lost to the industry.
It’s no wonder Local Government is fast becoming an employer of choice for young professionals.”
Local Government employees in NSW voted in October on the proposed new Award. This was endorsed and the new Award was formally made by the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW on 28 October 2010.
The commencement date for parental leave entitlements under the new Award was the first full pay period on or after 1 November 2010.
