Parental leave fact file [Infographic]

Ready to take your first steps into working parenthood? It's a good idea to read up on your rights and responsibilities as an employee. Arm yourself with these important parental-leave facts so you know what to expect and what you're entitled to:

• Most employees are entitled to 12 months’ unpaid parental leave if they’ve worked for their employer for a minimum of 12 months before the birth.
• You or your partner may be eligible for unpaid leave, depending on who will stay home and care for the child.
• You may be eligible for the government’s paid parental leave scheme, which covers 18 weeks of pay at the national minimum wage.
• Some employers offer paid leave on top of the government scheme.
• Freelancers, sole traders and contractors may still be eligible for the government’s paid parental leave scheme.
• You should give your employer at least 10 weeks’ notice before heading off on parental leave.
• Employers aren’t obliged to pay super during unpaid or paid parental leave, however some do.
• After 12 months of unpaid parental leave you may request a further 12 months.

For more tips, statistics and insights into work and family life, visit Life Spotlight.