This information is only relevant to employers and employees in the WA state industrial relations system.
Unpaid parental leave
Entitlements to unpaid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child exist for eligible full time, part time and casual employees. Unpaid parental leave for all eligible employees is provided by the federal Fair Work Act 2009. This entitlement comes from the National Employment Standards (NES) and applies to all employees in Australia, including employees in the WA state industrial relations system.
Eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave with a possible extension of up to 12 months.
Who can take parental leave? (eligible employees)
Full time, part time and casual employees can take unpaid parental leave if:
- they are responsible for caring for a newborn or newly adopted child; and
- they have (or will have) completed at least 12 months of service before the date of birth or adoption.
Casual employees must:
- have been working with their employer on a regular and systematic basis for at least 12 months; and
- have a reasonable expectation of ongoing employment.
For further information on unpaid parental leave, including employee eligibility, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website
Flexible working arrangement requests: State system employees only
From 31 January 2025, employees in the state industrial relations system have an entitlement under WA laws to request flexible working arrangements in certain circumstances, including where an employee is pregnant, a parent of a child or has responsibility for the care of a child. For more information, visit flexible working arrangement requests.
If you are unsure whether you are in the state system, please visit Which system of employment law applies or contact Wageline.
Paid parental leave pay
The Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave Scheme provides Government funded Parental Leave Pay to employees who meet eligibility criteria. Employers may be required to have a role in providing payments to employees through their payroll system. For information about paid parental leave contact the Australian Government agency Services Australia who administer the scheme.
