Zinfra Launches New Parental Leave Policy

Zinfra’s new parental leave policy was launched as part of National Families Week, an initiative of Families Australia to recognise the vital role families play in Australian society. The new policy is available to all permanent employees of Zinfra and Jemena (the Jemena Group).

The new policy includes:

• Superannuation paid during any unpaid period of parental leave for the first 12 months.

• Fourteen weeks paid parental leave for the primary carer or 28 weeks at half pay.

• Paid parental leave can be taken within the first 24-months following birth, adoption or legal guardianship.

• No minimum service requirement to access parental leave for permanent employees.

• Partners of the primary carer can take two weeks paid leave plus an additional five days personal leave at the time of birth, adoption or legal guardianship

“These changes are a positive step in our approach to parental leave and supporting families across the Group, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and putting the wellbeing of our people first,” said Jemena Executive General Manager for People, Safety, Legal and Corporate Affairs Jodie Blake.

According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), women’s median superannuation account balances in Australia are 30.8 per cent lower than men’s. This figure reflects the median account balances of $45,000 for women and $65,000 for men according to 2017-18 figures.

“By paying employees superannuation for the first 12 months of parental leave, even during unpaid leave, we are aiming to help reduce the gap in superannuation balances for men and women. Although our parental leave is available to all permanent employees, it is redominantly taken by women,” said Ms Blake.  

For more information about Zinfra’s approach to diversity and inclusion visit https://www.zinfra.com.au/our-approach/diversity-and-inclusion