The short answer
Eligible employees can take up to 12 months unpaid parental leave. Each parent has their own entitlement. You can request up to 12 additional months, subject to the extension process.
Who qualifies?
You need responsibility for the child's care and at least 12 months with your employer. For a pregnant employee, service is assessed before the birth or expected birth; for adoption, before placement; otherwise it can be assessed when leave starts.
Casuals also need regular and systematic work and a reasonable expectation of continuing that work. Check the casual employee guide. Public sector agreements and state employment systems can provide different procedures or additional benefits.
Requesting more time
If you take the initial 12 months, you can ask for up to 12 more. Put the request in writing at least four weeks before the initial period ends. Fair Work describes a written response within 21 days and a process for discussing the request and any reasonable business grounds for refusal.
The extension is a request, so plan for the response before fixing your return date. Read Fair Work's extension guidance.
Notice and flexible days
- Give written notice at least 10 weeks before leave starts, or as soon as possible when that is not practicable.
- Confirm continuous leave dates at least four weeks before starting, unless that is not practicable.
- For children born or placed for adoption from 1 July 2026, up to 130 days of the unpaid entitlement can be taken flexibly. These days are part of the entitlement, not extra leave.
Specific flexible days usually need four weeks notice. See how to tell your employer and Fair Work's notice rules.
Where the money comes from
Unpaid leave protects time away from work. Government Parental Leave Pay can help fund that time if you meet its separate tests. Your employer may offer paid leave too. Use the pay calculator to compare those parts.
This is general information based on published government rules, not legal advice. Your enterprise agreement or contract may give you more. Source check dates are listed beside each source.