Advice Sheets

Parental leave kit

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Summary: Our Parental Leave Kit is an essential resource for members who intend to take family leave. This is your guide to taking full advantage of your rights and entitlements at this important time.Read this advice carefully, as there are several requirements you will need to meet in both applying for leave and returning to work.Access the AEU Parental leave kit here

Lactation breaks

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Summary: Employees who breastfeed at work should be supported and treated with dignity and respect.Breastfeeding: For the purpose of this policy, breastfeeding also includes expressing milk. Lactation breaks: Breaks taken by mothers to express breastmilk or to breastfeed their baby. Draft letters requesting lactation breaksMembers can use the following letters when requesting lactation breaks from their employer. Copy and paste the text, and modify as needed.Schools Read more<date>Dear <name of principal>I’m writing to advise that I will need to access lactation…

Supporting your return to work

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Summary: Parents have the right to request flexible or part-time work when returning to work after a period of parental leave.The range of flexible work options available to employees of the Department of Education can be viewed here.Information specific to school teachers, ES and principals can be found here.Contact our Member Support Centre if you need more information or advice.Sample letters to request flexible workBelow are draft letters to your principal or manager. Copy and paste the text, and customise as needed.Schools Read more<date>Dear <insert name of principal>…

Paid Parental Leave - federal scheme

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Summary: Australia has had a national paid parental leave (PPL) scheme in place since 1 January 2011.To claim online you need a Centrelink online account linked to myGov. This information can change, so always check with Services Australia for the most current details.How does the PPL scheme work?Paid parental leave is funded by the Australian government and paid at the national minimum wage. This payment is taxable and lasts for up to 22 weeks.The national PPL will not reduce any existing paid maternity leave (PML) entitlements paid for by the employer (Victorian Department of…