Pregnancy and Parental Leave in Australia
A pregnancy is a financial decision, a legal decision, and — for the employer on the other side — an operational decision. Everything below is split into what an employee needs and what an employer needs, with calculators and guides for both.
The headline numbers (from 1 July 2026)
- 26 weeks of government Paid Parental Leave at the national minimum wage ($948/wk before tax).
- 4 weeks reserved for the non-birth / secondary partner (use it or lose it).
- 12% super paid by the ATO on top of government PLP (into your fund).
- 12 months unpaid statutory right to leave — no employer permission needed.
- +12 months can be requested in writing; employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.
- Income test: $183,036 individual or $373,094 combined family (indexed).
For employees: planning your leave
Whether you are pregnant, the partner of someone who is, or adopting — start with the calculator. The 12-month unpaid entitlement is frequently misunderstood: it is a statutory right, not a favour from your employer.
Parental Leave Income Calculator
See your total income during leave — government PPL, employer top-up, and accrued leave combined with a paid→unpaid cashflow timeline.
Annual Leave Calculator
Check your accrued annual leave balance before you go — you can use it to bridge income during parental leave.
Superannuation Calculator
Model the super impact of 6–12 months off work, including the new super paid on government PPL.
Guides for employees
For employers: handling it properly
Government PLP is reimbursed — it is not an employer cost. What actually costs money: top-up pay, super on top-up weeks, payroll admin, and backfilling the role. Get the compliance right first, then the cost.
Employer Parental Leave Cost Calculator
Work out the real employer cost — top-up pay, super on top-up, payroll admin, and backfill. Government PLP is reimbursed.
Cost of Employment Calculator
Baseline cost of employing the person — useful for modelling backfill decisions.
Payday Super Calculator
From 1 July 2026, super is paid every pay run — this changes how you process PPL super pass-through.
Guides for employers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paid parental leave can I get from the government in Australia?
From 1 July 2026, government Paid Parental Leave is 26 weeks at the national minimum wage ($948/week). 4 weeks are reserved for the non-birth partner on a use-it-or-lose-it basis. Claims before 1 July 2026 get 22 weeks under the prior rules.
Can I take 12 months off work even if my employer doesn't offer paid parental leave?
Yes. Every eligible employee (12+ months of continuous service) has a statutory right to up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. You do not need employer permission. You can also request a further 12 months in writing — the employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.
Do I have to tell my employer I'm pregnant straight away?
No. There is no legal obligation to disclose pregnancy early. You must give at least 10 weeks' notice in writing of your intention to take parental leave and confirm your start/end dates at least 4 weeks before your leave starts.
Can I be made redundant while on parental leave?
You can be made redundant during parental leave, but your employer must meet all the usual redundancy requirements and must consult you about alternatives. If the redundancy is related to your pregnancy or parental leave, it may be unlawful discrimination — seek advice.
Do partners get paid parental leave?
Yes. From 1 July 2026, 4 of the 26 PPL weeks are specifically reserved for the non-birth or secondary partner. They can also take unpaid parental leave (up to 12 months) concurrently or separately.
Authoritative sources