Talking with your employer about leave

Before your baby arrives, you should talk to your employer about leave you’re going to take.

When to tell them

Tell them early. You should give them written notice at least 10 weeks before you plan to start your leave.

If you apply for Parental Leave Pay, tell your employer. They may need to pay your Parental Leave Pay with your normal pay cycle.

Your rights at work

Find out more about your rights and parental leave on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

You can find more information about returning to work after maternity or parental leave.

Your partner taking leave

If your baby was born or adopted after 1 July 2023, you and your partner can share Parental Leave Pay.

There are rules about how many:

  • Parental Leave Pay days each parent can take
  • how many days can be taken by parents at the same time.

Find out more about Parental Leave Pay on the Services Australia website.

If you baby was born or adopted before 1 July 2023, your partner may get Dad and Partner Pay.


Page last updated: 15 November 2023