AGL Energy : extends paid parental leave from 14 to 20 weeks

Thursday, 1 June 2017

On the Global Day of Parents, AGL today announced it will be extending paid parental leave from 14 weeks to a maximum of 20 weeks for employees who are the Primary Carer.

The new paid parental leave arrangements will be effective from 1 July 2017. This increase is industry leading and represents the second highest number of weeks offered by an ASX-listed organisation*.

The leave must be taken within 52 weeks of the date of the birth of the child and is available to employees who have a minimum 12 months' continuous service with AGL.

AGL Managing Director and CEO, Andy Vesey, said increasing the paid parental leave entitlement is another way AGL assists its employees to fulfil their work and family commitments.

'The change provides greater choice and flexibility for the primary carer to take essential time they need to bond with and care for their newborn baby, while also supporting health and wellbeing.

'It also encourages primary carers to remain as active participants in the workforce. We recognise the important economic, social and business benefits of paid parental leave.

'I'm proud that we are industry leaders in this entitlement provision. It creates a competitive advantage to attract and retain diverse talent,' Mr Vesey said.

* According to AGL's analysis of Workplace Gender Equality Agency's 2016 Public Report Data

AGL staff member, who is expected to be taking up this leave entitlement, is available for interview.

About AGL
AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies. It is taking action to responsibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while providing secure and affordable energy to its customers. Drawing on 180 years of experience, AGL serves its customers throughout eastern Australia with meeting their energy requirements, including gas, electricity, solar PV and related products and services. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, solar, landfill gas and biomass.