Unpaid parental leave

All employees, including casual employees, are entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave, plus an additional 12 months if they request it.

This leave can be taken when:

• the employee gives birth
• the employee's spouse or de facto partner gives birth, or
• the employee adopts a child under 16 years of age.

You're eligible for unpaid parental leave if you have, or will have, responsibility for the care of the child, and you've:

• worked for your employer for at least 12 months:
  • before the date or expected date of birth
  • when the leave starts (if your leave is taken after another person cares for the child, or takes parental leave), or
  • before the date of the adoption.

You need to give your employer at least 10 weeks written notice that you intend to take unpaid parental leave (unless it's not possible to do so).

For more information visit the Fair Work Ombudsman