Parental and carer leave

27. Ms Jill Faddy asked –

1. Is provision made for maternal and paternal leave for women and men employed in lay and ordained ministry in the diocese?
2. Is provision made for carer leave for any such male and female employees?
3. If provision is not yet made for such paternal and carer leave, will this be done?

To which the President replied -

Elements of this question seek a legal opinion and as such are strictly out of order under business rule 6.3(4).

However I am advised as follows –

There is no diocesan policy or ordinance providing for parental or carer’s leave. Those employed in lay ministry would be entitled to parental leave under applicable State legislation on the same basis as any other employee. Those engaged in ordained ministry are usually not employees and as such are not entitled to parental leave under State legislation.

Parental leave for clergy was considered some years ago by the Standing Committee. After debating the matter and considering draft legislation, the Standing Committee decided not to promote an ordinance to the Synod. At that time, the majority considered that entitlements to parental leave should not be prescribed by ordinance and that maternity leave for up to 12 months would not assist in promoting women’s ministry in the Diocese.

As indicated in my answer to question 6 last Wednesday, I undertake to raise these parental leave matters with the Standing Committee.