Bass Coast Shire Council introduces equal pay leave for mums, dads

A regional council is the first in the state to introduce parental leave changes that will tackle gender inequality.

Bass Coast Shire council support worker Kelly Male with daughter Ilithyia welcomed the parental leave initiatives. Picture: Mark Stewart

A Victorian council has introduced landmark parental leave changes to close the gender gap in its workplace.

In a first for local government, Bass Coast Shire Council has removed the difference between primary and secondary carers so that mums, dads and same sex partners are entitled to the same paid leave.

Council’s 400 employees will also have their paid parental leave increased from 14 weeks to 16 weeks for both parents.

Chief executive Ali Wastie said the changes, announced on Thursday, would address gender-based inequalities.

“It’s simply the right thing to do,’’ Ms Wastie said.

“Increasing the length of time for paid parental leave and making it equal for parents has added advantages for the family.

“New mums, dads and same sex partners will have more time to bond with their babies and support each other in parenting.’’

Superannuation contributions will also be made for everyone on unpaid parental leave for a full year.

Employees with caring responsibilities will also be given flexible working arrangements.

Council support officer Kelly Male, who is almost eight months pregnant and lives in Wonthaggi, said it meant she could spend more time with her family.

“These changes will help our family and other families so much,” she said.

“The additional two weeks’ paid leave will help us significantly and the guaranteed superannuation payment for 12 months takes away the worry of missing out while caring for my family.”

Victoria’s public sector gender equality commissioner Niki Vincent also welcomed the move.

“In addition to this, by paying superannuation on parental leave, Bass Coast Shire Council is helping to close the superannuation gap which currently penalises those who take time out to care for their children,” Dr Vincent said.

Council said costs involved in changing the parental leave would be absorbed into existing budgets.

The changes come into effect this week.

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