Home Raising kids Having a baby Before your baby arrives Talking with your employer about leave

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

Talking to your employer early can help you plan your leave. You should give them written notice at least 10 weeks before you plan to start your leave.

Find out more about giving notice for taking parental leave on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Tell them you're claiming Parental Leave Pay

You need to tell your employer if you claim Parental Leave Pay from Centrelink. If you’re eligible, they may need to pay it with your normal pay cycle.

Your employer can find out more about the Paid Parental Leave scheme for employers on the Services Australia website.

Your rights at work

There are a range of workplace entitlements and protections for pregnant employees. You may be able to apply for employer-provided parental leave. Find out more about your rights at work and parental leave on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Your partner taking leave

You and your partner can share Parental Leave Pay.

There are rules about how many:

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

Find out more about Parental Leave Pay on the Services Australia website.
Page last updated: 21 August 2026