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Dad and Partner Pay
by Michelle Prince
A
dam Kinchela, a 33 year old Gamilaroi man from Moree, NSW became a father for the first time 12 weeks ago to a baby boy, Max. Adam now lives in Cairns with his wife Lauren and works nightshift as a security patrolman. “Being a dad for the first time is really rewarding. However, it’s also come with challenges for my wife Lauren and I. Being a parent is a 24-hour job and has been difficult for me to juggle with my job. I’m on night shift back-to-back and need to sleep during the day to be prepared for work again the next night. This leaves my wife on her own most of the time to deal with the demands of our son, housework and other day-to-day tasks”, said Adam. “Dad and Partner pay has allowed me to take time off work without having to worry about money hassles. I’ve been able to help Lauren with Max’s daily routines and give her a break by helping around the house.” Dad and Partner Pay is a new entitlement under the Paid Parental Leave scheme for eligible working dads or partners (including adopting parents and same-sex partners) caring for a child born or adopted from 1 January 2013. It provides up to two weeks of government-funded pay at the rate of the National Minimum Wage (currently about $622 a week before tax) to give dads or partners a chance to stay home from work and bond with their baby, support their partner, and give their baby the best start in life.
Adam Kinchela with his baby son Max. Image supplied
“Being home has allowed us to spend time together as a family and enjoy precious moments with Max. Most importantly, being able to stay home because of Dad and Partner Pay has given me a chance to bond with my son and gain more confidence as a dad in looking after him. I don’t often get to be there when he is going to sleep, so it’s been nice to be part of that routine. It’s also been good for my wife as she has been able to feed him and then have a rest and sleep, as I’m there to take over and look after Max. Neither of us don’t have any other family in Cairns, so we need to do everything ourselves. “It was really easy to access Dad and Partner Pay, just by doing some research on the internet and filling out the paperwork. If it hadn’t been for the financial assistance I probably wouldn’t have been able to take time off, as my job doesn’t provide me with paid leave”.
Adam encourages other dads who are expecting or new dads to find out if they can get Dad and Partner Pay. Full-time, part-time, casual, seasonal, self-employed or contract workers may be eligible. It’s a busy time for new parents when the baby arrives, which is why claims can be lodged up to three months before the expected date of birth or adoption. Dads or partners are encouraged to apply early to help ensure payments can be made as soon as possible after the birth or adoption. You can take Dad and Partner Pay at any time in the first year following the birth or adoption. For more information and to find out if you are eligible please visit www.australia. gov.au/dadandpartnerpay or for downloadable information materials visit www.fahcsia.gov.au/ dadandpartnerpay/indigenous
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