Australia offers expectant more time and money to indulge in nursery décor

Mothers- to-be living in Australia have now been given the chance to stay off work longer while having a baby which may enable them to focus on more important issues such as the nursery décor.



Until now, Australia has not offered new mothers or fathers maternity/paternity leave, however that is all about to change from the beginning of next year.



Families expecting babies (or adopting them) can get the equivalent of three months’ salary on the new paid paternal leave scheme. This means that there will be more money available for the nursery décor and more time to install items such as children’s coat hooks.



The Federal Labour Government’s decision has been welcomed by many pregnant women and new fathers who need the extra time off work to think about the pressing issues of relaxing and perfecting the nursery décor.



From 1 January2011, the scheme will be available to those main carers who have worked between 10 and 13 months before the birth of the child or the date a child is adopted.



This requirement will apply to those who have worked either full time, part time or casually. The only requirements being that they have worked at least 330 hours in this time and there was a gap of no more than eight weeks between two consecutive working days.



If eligible, the primary carer of the baby (usually the mother) will be given the equivalent of 18 weeks’ paid leave at a rate of $570 a week, before tax.



Speaking to The Sunshine Coast Daily, Kawana Chamber of Commerce leader, Joanne Hall had revealed this was an important move for Australia as one of only two developed countries not to offer such a scheme.



She said: "It is great the government has finally recognised this huge hole in our social system."



The only other developed country not to offer a paid parental leave scheme is the United States.



The Article is written by www.booboodesigns.co.uk providing Children's Music Box and Nursery Decor Services.Visit http://www.booboodesigns.co.uk for more information on www.booboodesigns.co.uk Products & Services___________________________Copyright information This article is free for reproduction but must be reproduced in its entirety, including live links & this copyright statement must be included. Visit www.booboodesigns.co.uk for more services!