MOP(S) Act employees can access parental leave as set out in the Enterprise Agreement and leave and public holidays guideline (see related resources). The Enterprise Agreement allows for maternity leave, adoption leave and supporting partner leave.
Discuss your parental leave plans with your employing parliamentarian before applying. Apply for maternity leave by submitting a completed maternity leave application form (see related resources) to MOPSPay&Conditions@finance.gov.au. To apply for parental leave, contact MaPS for a copy of the form.
Maternity leave
Maternity leave entitlements are provided for under the Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1973. Eligible MOP(S) Act employees receive four weeks of paid leave in addition to the 12 weeks provided for under the Act. Maternity leave can be taken as a combination of paid and unpaid leave up to a maximum of 52 weeks.
Adoption leave
Adoption leave provides 16 weeks of paid leave for MOP(S) Act employees who adopt a child. There is no entitlement for unpaid adoption leave. You may access unpaid parental leave under the Fair Work Act 2009 or apply for leave without pay.
Supporting partner leave
Supporting partner leave provides five weeks paid leave for MOP(S) Act employees whose partner has given birth to or adopted a child. This can be taken at half pay for 10 weeks, and can be taken in combination with other leave.
Parental leave pay and dad and partner pay
The parental leave pay scheme (PLP) and dad and partner pay (DAPP) are administered by Services Australia.
Further information on parental leave pay and dad and partner pay including how to apply is available through Services Australia.