The Paid Parental Leave Amendment 2022 refers to a set of legislative changes aimed at enhancing Australia’s government-funded parental leave scheme to be more flexible and gender-equal. This amendment merged the previous Parental Leave Pay (18 weeks for the primary carer) and Dad and Partner Pay (2 weeks) into a single paid parental leave entitlement of 20 weeks, with a portion reserved on a “use it or lose it” basis for each parent . It also removed the distinction between primary and secondary claimants (allowing either parent to claim payments, not just birth mothers) and enabled the paid leave to be taken in flexible blocks within two years of the birth or adoption . These changes, which took effect in 2023, make the government parental leave scheme more accessible and shareable between parents. HR and payroll departments must adjust workplace policies accordingly and coordinate with the government scheme (administered via Services Australia) to support employees taking parental leave under the new arrangements, ensuring compliance with the updated regulations.
