Parental Leave
Overview
Wellways is committed to recognising, rewarding and valuing employees throughout their career with the organisation, regardless of gender or work role. Wellways is committed to supporting and managing parental leave so that employees feel and remain valued members of the team, and when the time is right, can return to work feeling confident and supported.
Wellways is now offering paid parental leave for eligible employees!
In addition to the Commonwealth Government’s paid parental scheme, Wellways will pay ‘primary caregivers’ 8 weeks parental leave. Employees taking ‘partner leave’ will be paid for 2 weeks.
Paid parental leave is available to permanent and fixed term employees, with 12+ months of continuous employment with Wellways.
Superannuation top-up
In addition to the above, Wellways will pay superannuation to employees who have worked with the organisation for six months or more when on parental leave. This superannuation will be paid for the entire leave period (paid and unpaid) based on the pre-parental leave contracted ordinary hours and hourly rate.
Read more about your parental leave entitlements and how to access it:
Parental Leave Policy and Procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for parental leave?
For more information on eligibility for Wellways' paid parental leave refer to our Parental Leave Policy and Procedure.
In addition to the parental leave payments offered by Wellways, the Australian Government provides financial support to new parents. This scheme is administered by Services Australia and employees are encouraged to contact Services Australia directly to determine their eligibility for any entitlement that may be available to them.
Can I take my leave entitlements while on parental leave?
Employees can request to take other leave entitlements such as annual leave or long service leave in conjunction with unpaid parental leave. Employees cannot access sick or personal leave while on Parental Leave.
Will my annual leave and personal leave accrue while I’m on parental leave?
Annual leave and personal leave do not accrue while someone is on unpaid parental leave. This is inclusive of when an employee is getting the Australian Government Parental Leave Pay.
However, annual and personal leave entitlements continue to accrue whilst on Wellways’ paid parental leave.
Leave entitlements also continue to accrue when ‘keeping in touch days’ are utilised.
Will long service leave continue to accrue whilst I am on parental leave?
Long service leave will continue to accrue during the period of Wellways’ paid parental leave.
Long service leave entitlements may accrue while on unpaid parental leave depending on the rules set by the state or territory you work in. For more information, please see the Leave Management Policy.
What are ‘keeping in touch’ days?
While participation in work-related activities is not mandatory for employees on parental leave, you have the option to attend work meetings, planning days, or perform work for the purpose of maintaining a connection with Wellways and your team. This is known as 'keeping in touch' days.
Eligible employees can access up to 10 ‘keeping in touch’ days, which will be paid at your regular rate of pay. If you are interested in utilising ‘keeping in touch’ days, discuss this with your People Leader.
Does parental leave break my continuity of service?
Parental leave does not break continuity of service. However, unpaid parental leave may not count towards length of service in some circumstances. This is dependent on the entitlement in question.
For further information please see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.
Can I extend my parental leave?
Eligible employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. Employees can also request an additional 12 months of leave. For more information, please see the Parental Leave Policy and Procedure.
How does this affect my salary packaging?
Employees can only receive salary packaging while they are earning an income from their employer. If you currently participate in salary packaging, we recommend you contact one of our Paywise account managers to discuss your individual circumstance.
Where can I find out more about Parental Leave?
Check out Wellways’ Parental Leave Policy and Procedures for all the details <<link parental leave policy<<.