Temporary changes to parental leave law due to COVID-19
Law changes allow some workers on parental leave to temporarily go back to work without losing their entitlements.
Parental leave eligibility
Employees may be able to take leave from work to care for their new child.
Types of parental leave
Information on special leave, primary carer leave, extended leave, partner’s leave and negotiated carer leave.
How to take parental leave
The employee has responsibilities if they want to take parental leave.
Parental leave scenarios
Scenarios where employees can, and can’t, take parental leave.
Employer's response
The employer’s response to an employee wanting to take parental leave
Parental leave payment
Employees and self-employed people may be able get a government-funded parental leave payment while they’re not working and are caring for a new child.
Returning to work
You should tell your employer as early as possible whether you will be returning to work, returning early or not returning from parental leave. You must tell them at least 21 days in advance.
Sorting out parental leave problems
Parental leave problems and how to resolve them.
Tools and Resources
Parental leave and payment eligibility tool
Use our tool to determine if you or your partner are entitled to parental leave.
Employee Learning Module
Sick leave, bereavement leave, alternative holidays, and public holidays – employee rights and responsibilities.