Government and law+3
Brush up on your privacy knowledge this Privacy Awareness Week
07 May 2024Privacy Awareness Week is a great time for a refresher in how to protect and respect personal information at home and in the workplace.
On 6 May 2024, the Queensland Government announced the payment of superannuation on unpaid parental leave and the introduction of reproductive health leave. As supporting arrangements for this announcement are developed, further information will be provided.
Who will these changes apply to?
These changes will apply to all public sector workers. This includes public sector employees in public sector entities, plus employees of the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland Parliamentary Service. Affected entities will be consulted.
Superannuation on unpaid parental leave
What are the changes being made to superannuation?
Superannuation will be paid for any unpaid leave during the first 52 weeks of an employee’s parental leave entitlement under the Industrial Relations Act 2016.
When will the changes take effect?
The changes to superannuation will be effective from 1 July 2024, however arrangements will be finalised after July 2024, to allow for consultation to occur with payroll providers and superannuation funds. This process will ensure the necessary arrangements for back pay and processing to cover employees who take leave from 1 July 2024.
How will the changes be implemented?
Queensland Treasury will lead the implementation including progressing amendment of the Superannuation (State Public Sector) Regulation 2023 and the Superannuation (State Public Sector) Notice 2021 with any necessary grace period and sufficient transitional arrangements, to allow for payroll implementation and backdating to 1 July 2024.
Reproductive health leave
What arrangements will apply for reproductive health leave?
Employees will have access to up to 10 days per annum (non-cumulative) paid reproductive health leave to use for the following purposes:
- for each parent to receive fertility/IVF treatment;
- chronic reproductive health conditions (such as endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause symptoms) that require absence from the workplace. The policy will also provide for flexibility to manage symptoms at work;
- preventative screening associated with reproductive health, including breast and prostate screening (capped at 4 hours per year); and
- treatment associated with reproductive health including hysterectomy and vasectomy.
When will the changes take effect?
The entitlement to reproductive health leave will take effect by 30 September 2024.
How will the changes be implemented?
A directive under the Public Sector Act 2022 will be made to support the introduction of reproductive health leave. In some entities, the directive may be supported by alternative mechanisms to ensure coverage of all public sector workers.
The Office of Industrial Relations and the Public Sector Commission will consult with unions and affected entities to finalise these arrangements.
Further information
Where can I get further information?
Queensland Treasury, the Office of Industrial Relations and the Public Sector Commission are engaging with government entities about the policies and will keep entities informed of progress. In the meantime, please raise any questions directly with your agency human resources division.
