This Parental Leave Policy can be used to help provide clarity around parental leave entitlements and your expectations as an employer. It can also help you and your employees plan for the next 12 to 24-month period by understanding key parental leave and notice requirements.

This policy complies with amendments made pursuant to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Act 2023. It does not cover the flexible application of unpaid parental leave, which the legislation entitles parents to. It is up to the employer and employee to negotiate how flexible unpaid parental leave will be applied. More information on that entitlement can be found on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website. We recommend seeking legal advice if you are unsure of your obligations to your employees.

Use this Parental Leave Policy if:

• you would like to clarify eligibility requirements around Parental Leave for your employees;

• you need to communicate notice and evidence requirements around parental leave to ensure clarity and minimise the risk of any related disputes;

• you would like your employees to be aware of their entitlements and to feel valued in the workplace; or

• your employees have questions about parental leave, such as the amount of parental leave they can take, leave requirements if their partner is also taking leave, and whether they can access paid parental leave.

What does this Policy cover?

• Eligibility criteria for parental leave;

• Amount of parental leave, along with any notice or evidence requirements;

• Information on government paid parental leave entitlements; and

• Guidelines on taking leave in circumstances where one or both partners are taking leave.

Further information:

• Can I be paid parental leave if I am a sole trader?

• Can you dismiss an employee on Maternity Leave?

• What types of paid leave are full-time employees entitled to?

• Flexible working arrangements: do I have to implement them?

• Employee Handbook

• What Are the Laws Surrounding Paid Parental Leave in Australia?