Working parents expecting a baby in the New Year are now able to lodge their claims for Paid Parental Leave.

Senator for Queensland Mark Furner said eligible working parents in Dickson and Longman could lodge their claims up to three months before their baby’s due date.
“We know how busy it can be for new parents when a baby arrives.  To make things easier, parents can apply for paid parental leave three months before their baby is due,” Senator Furner said.
“The Gillard Labor Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme provides eligible working parents of babies born or adopted from 1 January 2011 with parental leave pay for up to 18 weeks at the minimum wage, which is currently $570 a week before tax.
From 1 January next year many local, casual and part-time workers, contractors and the self-employed, will have access to paid parental leave for the first time.”
To help parents get all their paperwork done before the birth of their child, claims for Family Tax Benefit and Maternity Immunisation Allowance can also be lodged early, using a combined claim form with Paid Parental Leave.
Senator Furner said eligible expectant parents could apply from today on www.familyassist.gov.au or they could pick an application form up from:
·    Medicare - Shop 145 Westfield Strathpine 295 Gympie Road, Strathpine
·    Medicare - Shop 87 Westfield Chermside Cnr Gympie & Hamilton Road, Chermside
·    Medicare - Shop 85 Morayfield Shopping Centre 165-171 Morayfield Road, Morayfield
·    Centrelink - 242 Gympie Road, Strathpine
·    Centrelink - 18 Banfield Street Chermside
·    Centrelink - 20-22 George Street Caboolture
Alternatively they can call 13 6150.
“Parents in Dickson and Longman planning to claim paid parental leave should plan their caring and leave arrangements and discuss these with their employer before lodging their claim,” Senator Furner said.
Parents who are not eligible for Paid Parental Leave, or who choose not to participate in the scheme, will be able to continue to access the Baby Bonus and Family Tax Benefit if they are eligible.
“Labor supports working parents in Dickson and Longman and that’s why we are delivering Australia’s first Paid Parental Leave scheme on 1 January next year,” Senator Furner said.
“We’ve also committed to introducing two weeks paid paternity leave from 1 July 2012, giving local dads time at home with their new born babies.”