Types of parental leave

There are 4 main types of parental leave — primary carer leave, partner’s leave, extended leave, and negotiated carer leave. The type an employee can take will depend on their circumstances.

  • Primary carer leave

    Leave for primary carers is available to employees, who are primary carer of a child.

  • Partner's leave

    An employee may be eligible to take up to 2 weeks unpaid partner’s leave if they’re the spouse or partner of someone who is pregnant or taking primary care of a child under the age of 6 years.

  • Extended leave

    Extended leave is a period of extra unpaid parental leave usually taken after primary care leave ends.

  • Negotiated carer leave

    Negotiated carer leave lets employees who do not qualify for primary carer leave take unpaid time off work to care for their child.