Parental leave

Information about parental leave and associated entitlements such as government-funded parental leave payments.

Temporary changes to parental leave law due to COVID-19

Law changes allow some workers on parental leave to temporarily go back to work without losing their entitlements.

Parental leave eligibility

Employees may be able to take leave from work to care for their new child.

Types of parental leave

Information on special leave, primary carer leave, extended leave, partner’s leave and negotiated carer leave.

How to take parental leave

The employee has responsibilities if they want to take parental leave.

Parental leave scenarios

Scenarios where employees can, and can’t, take parental leave.

Employer's response

The employer’s response to an employee wanting to take parental leave

Returning to work

You should tell your employer as early as possible whether you will be returning to work, returning early or not returning from parental leave. You must tell them at least 21 days in advance.

Sorting out parental leave problems

Parental leave problems and how to resolve them.

Page last revised: 08 May 2018

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