Employees can take parental leave when a child is born or adopted.
Rules and entitlements that apply depend on what stage of parental leave the employee is in.
In this section...
Unpaid parental leave video
Watch our short video on unpaid parental leave to learn about:
- who is eligible for parental leave
- how much parental leave an employee is entitled to and how to apply for it
- when and how the parental leave can be taken
- how to change or extend your parental leave.
Unpaid parental leave made simple
Our Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline takes you through the parental leave journey, from before birth through to returning to work.
It highlights the key steps you need to take, and when to take them, so you can plan ahead and understand your workplace rights and responsibilities at every stage.
The Fair Work Ombudsman acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters, skies and communities. We pay our respects to them, their Cultures, and Elders past and present.