What Is Parental Leave?
Parental leave refers to time off from work granted to eligible employees in connection with the birth, adoption, or care of a child. In Australia, parental leave is governed by the Fair Work Act 2009 and forms part of the National Employment Standards (NES), providing both unpaid and paid options for eligible employees.
Employees may access different types of parental leave, including unpaid maternity leave, partner leave, adoption leave, and government-funded Paid Parental Leave (PPL).
Fair Work – Parental Leave
Types of Parental Leave in Australia
Under the NES, eligible employees can access:
1. Unpaid Parental Leave
- Up to 12 months of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child
- Available to full-time, part-time, and eligible casual employees
- Can request an additional 12 months (total of 24 months)
- May be taken by one parent or shared between both parents
2. Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
- Funded by the Australian Government
- Provides up to 20 weeks of pay (as of 1 July 2023) at the national minimum wage
- Paid directly to the employee or via the employer
- Available to primary carers of newborn or recently adopted children
3. Dad and Partner Pay (now included under PPL)
- Previously a separate scheme, this is now integrated into the combined 20 weeks of government-funded PPL and can be used flexibly by either parent
4. Employer-Funded Parental Leave
- Some employers offer additional paid parental leave as part of their workplace policies or enterprise agreements
- These benefits are optional and vary by company
Eligibility Criteria
To access unpaid parental leave:
- Employees must have completed 12 months of continuous service
- Casual employees must have a reasonable expectation of ongoing employment on a regular and systematic basis
To access Paid Parental Leave from the government:
- Must be the primary carer of the child
- Must have met the work test, income test, and residency requirements
- Must apply to Services Australia for payment
Services Australia – Paid Parental Leave
Notice and Evidence Requirements
Employees must:
- Provide at least 10 weeks' notice in writing before starting leave
- Confirm details at least 4 weeks prior
- Supply evidence such as a medical certificate or adoption paperwork
Employers must:
- Acknowledge leave requests in writing
- Maintain accurate records of leave dates and entitlements
Rights During Parental Leave
While on parental leave, employees are entitled to:
- Return to the same role after their leave
- Accrue annual and long service leave
- Remain protected against dismissal due to pregnancy or taking leave
- Be consulted if significant workplace changes occur during their absence
Parental Leave and Superannuation
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government will begin paying superannuation on Paid Parental Leave. This move is designed to reduce the super gap between men and women, who are more likely to take extended time off for caregiving.
Learn about Paid Parental Leave Super Contributions
Managing Parental Leave with Microkeeper
Microkeeper simplifies managing parental leave with tools for:
- Leave requests and approval workflows
- Automatic leave balance adjustments
- Award and NES-compliant payroll calculations
- STP reporting, including government-funded leave payments
- Visibility for both HR teams and employees through the Employee Console
Explore Microkeeper’s HR and Leave Management Features
Common FAQs
Can both parents take parental leave at the same time?
Yes, parents can take up to 8 weeks of concurrent unpaid leave, usually within the first 12 months of the child's birth or adoption.
Can parental leave be taken in parts?
Yes. While typically taken in a single block, government PPL can be split and used flexibly within 2 years of birth or adoption.
Is parental leave counted as service?
Yes, unpaid parental leave counts as service, preserving entitlements like long service leave.
Do I continue to accrue leave while on parental leave?
Employees continue to accrue long service leave, but not annual or personal leave during unpaid parental leave.
Best Practices for Employers
- Create a clear parental leave policy in your employee handbook
- Ensure compliance with NES, modern awards, and internal agreements
- Communicate expectations and entitlements early
- Plan ahead for workforce gaps during extended absences
- Use integrated HR systems like Microkeeper to track leave efficiently
Final Thoughts
Parental leave is a vital entitlement that supports working families and promotes gender equity in the workplace. With clear policies and effective leave management tools, employers can create a supportive environment for employees during one of the most important periods of their lives.
Disclaimer: This glossary entry is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult Fair Work or a legal professional for specific guidance.
