Types of parental leave

There are 4 main types of parental leave — primary carer leave, partner’s leave, extended leave, and negotiated carer leave. The type an employee can take will depend on their circumstances.

  • Primary carer leave

    Leave for primary carers is available to employees who are primary carer of a child. They may also be eligible for parental leave payments while on primary carer leave.

  • Partner's leave

    An employee may be eligible to take up to 2 weeks unpaid partner’s leave to support their spouse or partner who is pregnant or taking primary care of a child under the age of six.

  • Extended leave

    Extended leave is a period of extra unpaid parental leave usually taken after primary carer leave ends. This allows employees to take up to a year off to spend with their child.

  • Negotiated carer leave

    Negotiated carer leave is leave that employees can negotiate and agree with their employer if they do not qualify for primary carer leave.