Today, the Australian Public Service Commissioner, Mr Peter Woolcott AO, announced the commencement of a review of the Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1973 (Maternity Leave Act).
“I am pleased to announce the first substantial review of the Maternity Leave Act in more than forty years,” Mr Woolcott said.
“This review of our parental leave entitlements will ensure the Australian Public Service continues to be an employer of choice and is well equipped to offer working parents an opportunity to serve the Australian public now and into the future.”
With a focus on health and flexibility, the review will explore paid maternity leave eligibility and entitlements, the health needs of birth mothers, ease of administration, flexibility of entitlements and superannuation issues.
Mr Woolcott said the review will be informed by extensive stakeholder consultation and submissions from the public. The review team is eager to hear from the broader community.
“Submissions to the review are open. I encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to make a submission.”
The review will report its findings and recommendations to Government in early 2022.
To make a submission or for further information including the review Terms of Reference, visit the review page.
