Rio Tinto to provide 18 weeks paid leave for all new parents and carers

While the Australian Government currently only provides two weeks pay at the minimum wage for fathers and partners, the mining giant is about to overhaul its paid parental scheme. See the full details.

Rio Tinto employees will now be eligible for 18 weeks paid parental leave regardless of their status as primary or secondary carer. Picture: Supplied

Thousands of employees will be incentivised to spend longer with their newborn as one mining giant, and major Central Queensland employer, overhauls its parental leave scheme.

Rio Tinto, which employs more than 1700 people at its Gladstone sites, with 740 at the Yarwun Alumina Refinery, and about 1000 at Boyne Smelters, informed employees Friday morning that from June this year employees will be eligible for 18 weeks paid parental leave regardless of their gender or status as primary or secondary carer.

The progressive policy change seeks to recognise the importance of flexible and shared parenting responsibilities.

Rio Tinto employees will now be eligible for 18 weeks paid parental leave regardless of their status as primary or secondary carer. Picture: Supplied

The mining giant, which has multiple operations in Gladstone — including Rio Tinto Yarwun, Boyne Smelters Limited and QAL — has also committed to paying full pension contributions during periods of both unpaid and reduced-pay parental leave.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Australia Kellie Parker said the move was a commitment to a more inclusive, fulfilling and diverse workplace.

“Every parenting situation is different, and these changes are designed to provide greater flexibility to our employees to meet their families’ needs, regardless of gender or parental situation, as well as improving employee and family wellbeing,” Ms Parker said.

Rio Tinto's Chief Executive Kellie Parker says the move is a commitment to a more diverse and fulfilling workplace. Picture: Adam Head

Currently, secondary carers are only eligible for two weeks of ‘dad and partner pay’ from the Australian Government, paid at the national minimum wage.

The Australian Government does provides parental leave for the primary parent a maximum of 18 weeks, but also at the minimum wage.

Effective from June 13, any employee who becomes a parent, including through adoption or surrogacy is eligible for the 18 week scheme at any time in the first two years of birth or adoption.

The Australian Government currently provides two weeks of ‘Dad and partner pay at the minimum wage. Picture: generic

In the circumstance that both parents work for Rio Tinto, they are both eligible for the full 18 weeks and to utilise it simultaneously.

Employees will also be entitled to up 52 weeks unpaid leave, including their paid leave period.

Originally published as Rio Tinto to provide 18 weeks paid leave for all new parents and carers