How to manage parental leave
A complete guide to managing employee parental leave under Australian workplace law. Covers unpaid leave entitlements, government paid parental leave, and return to work.
Written by
Georgia Morgan
General information only – not legal advice
This guide provides general information about managing parental leave in Australia. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Types of parental leave
| Type | Duration | Paid | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unpaid parental leave (NES) | Up to 12 months (can request 24 months total) | No | 12 months continuous service | Cannot be refused if eligible |
| Government Paid Parental Leave | Up to 22 weeks (2024-25), increasing to 26 weeks by 2026 | Yes - at minimum wage ($189.62/day) | Work test + income test | Paid by Services Australia, not employer |
| Employer-funded parental leave | Varies by employer | Yes - varies | As per employer policy | Check your policy or enterprise agreement |
| Concurrent leave | Up to 8 weeks at same time as partner | Follows above entitlements | Both parents eligible | Can be taken in separate blocks |
Key dates and actions
10 weeks before leave starts
Employee provides written notice of intention to take leave
4 weeks before leave starts
Employee confirms start date (or provides updated date)
During leave
Up to 10 keeping in touch days can be worked by agreement
4 weeks before return
Discuss and confirm return to work arrangements
Before 12 months
Employee can request extension to 24 months total
6 steps to parental leave management
Receive the leave notice
Employees must provide at least 10 weeks written notice of their intention to take parental leave.
- Notice should include expected start date and duration
- For birth, notice is usually given before the due date
- For adoption, notice is given when placement is confirmed
- Acknowledge receipt of the notice promptly
Verify eligibility
Check that the employee meets the eligibility requirements for unpaid parental leave.
- Must have 12 months continuous service with you
- Can be full-time, part-time, or regular casual
- Must have or will have responsibility for the child
- Eligible employees cannot be refused unpaid parental leave
Discuss leave arrangements
Have a conversation about the leave period, any employer-paid leave, and return to work expectations.
- Clarify the exact dates of leave
- Discuss any employer-paid parental leave entitlements
- Explain the government Paid Parental Leave scheme
- Talk about keeping in touch days and communication preferences
Plan for coverage
Arrange how the employee's duties will be covered during their absence.
- Consider internal secondments, acting arrangements, or temporary hires
- Allow time for handover before leave starts
- Document key responsibilities and contacts
- Plan for potential extensions of leave
Maintain contact during leave
Stay appropriately connected while respecting the employee's leave.
- Employees can work up to 10 "keeping in touch" days
- Keep them informed of significant workplace changes
- Discuss return to work timing 4 weeks before planned return
- Respect their time off – don't pressure to work
Manage the return to work
Support the employee's return to their position or an equivalent role.
- Employee is entitled to return to their pre-leave position
- If that position no longer exists, offer a comparable role
- Consider flexible work requests (they have the right to request)
- Plan re-induction if significant time has passed
Track parental leave
RosterElf HR Hub helps you manage parental leave applications, documentation, and return-to-work planning. Built for Australian small businesses.
Related guides
More resources for managing leave and HR processes.
Frequently asked questions
- Eligible employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave under the National Employment Standards. They can request an additional 12 months (24 months total), which the employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.
- The government provides Paid Parental Leave to eligible parents at the national minimum wage rate ($189.62/day in 2025). For children born 2024-25, families can receive up to 22 weeks. This increases to 24 weeks in 2025-26 and 26 weeks from July 2026. Parents apply through Services Australia.
- The NES only requires unpaid parental leave. However, many employers offer paid parental leave as part of their employment conditions, enterprise agreement, or policy. Check your obligations under any applicable agreement.
- Yes. Each parent is entitled to their own period of unpaid parental leave. They can take up to 8 weeks of "concurrent leave" at the same time (which can be taken in separate blocks). The total combined leave is still 24 months.
Regulatory sources
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