A new mother from Adelaide, Nandini Hutchens, has voiced her frustration over what she describes as a “deeply unfair” law that resulted in her being denied the federal government’s paid parental leave. Hutchens, who welcomed her daughter in October last year, anticipated a smooth process when she submitted her application for the benefit.

To her dismay, Hutchens received the news on Christmas Eve that her request for paid parental leave had been declined. The benefit, which amounts to 24 weeks of pay at the national minimum wage ($22,750 before tax), was something she and her partner had been counting on.

The couple, having recently bought a home, were depending on this financial support to manage their mortgage payments as they transitioned to living on a single income. While Hutchens is entitled to six weeks of paid paternity leave from her employer, she expressed concerns that this sum would be insufficient to cover their everyday expenses.

“We were relying on the government assistance to help with daily costs,” Hutchens explained, highlighting the financial strain they now face without the expected support. Her experience sheds light on the challenges that new parents may encounter under the current legislation.

Hutchens is able to get six weeks’ paid paternity leave through her employer, but said the money would not stretch far.

“We were depending on the government money to pay for everyday expenses,” she said.

“Now, any luxuries are out of the question. We have to save for the necessities.”

Hutchens said it was also likely she would need to return to work earlier than she planned.

“Exceptions should be made on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

“If I had just got the residency and came here a month ago, then I understand why I wouldn’t be eligible.

“But if I have been here for so long, and I have contributed to the economy for over two years, which is supposed to be the two-year rule, then I should be eligible.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services said: “The Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period applies to most Australian Government payments, including the Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme.”

“This reflects the long-standing principle that migrants are expected to support themselves when they are first granted permanent residency in Australia.”

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