What are the paternity/maternity leave options in AU/NZ?

It is important when deciding on where you live and work to keep work/life balance in mind and that includes considering your maternity and paternity leave options.

Spending time with family adds a feeling of connectivity and can improve wellbeing and help doctors avoid burning out.

If you are interested in finding out more about paternity/maternity leave rights in Australia and New Zealand we have compiled some basic information below.

Please keep in mind that the laws governing paternity/maternity leave and other forms of leave may vary by state or territory, and may be different for employees in different industries or occupations. If you have questions about your entitlements as a father or mother in Australia or New Zealand, it is advisable to speak with your employer or seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer.

How much paternity leave do fathers get in Australia?

In Australia, there is no specific law that requires employers to provide paternity leave for fathers. However, the Fair Work Act does provide for unpaid parental leave for both mothers and fathers. Under this law, employees are entitled to up to 12 months of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.

Employees who have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and who have a reasonable expectation of continuing employment are entitled to take unpaid parental leave. This includes doctors.

In addition to unpaid parental leave, some employers may offer paid paternity leave as a benefit to their employees. This is at the discretion of the employer and may vary depending on the employer's policies and the specific terms of the employee's employment contract.

It's worth noting that the Australian Government also offers a Paid Parental Leave scheme, which provides eligible working parents with 18 weeks of paid leave at the National Minimum Wage. This scheme is designed to help parents balance work and family commitments by providing financial support during the first year of a child's life.

How much maternity leave do mothers get in Australia?

In Australia, mothers are entitled to take a period of leave from work after the birth or adoption of a child. The length of this leave and the pay that is provided during the leave period depend on the specific provisions of the applicable industrial award or enterprise agreement, as well as any relevant state or territory legislation.

Under the federal Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), eligible employees are entitled to take up to 12 months of unpaid "parental leave" for the birth or adoption of a child. This leave is available to both biological and adoptive mothers, as well as to primary carers who are not the child's biological mother (such as a same-sex partner or a relative).

In addition to unpaid parental leave, mothers may also be entitled to receive paid leave, either through their employer or through the government-funded Paid Parental Leave scheme. The amount of paid leave to which a mother is entitled will depend on the terms of her employment and the provisions of the relevant industrial award or enterprise agreement.

How much paternity leave do fathers get in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, fathers are entitled to take a period of leave from work after the birth or adoption of a child. The length of this leave and the pay that is provided during the leave period depend on the specific provisions of the applicable employment agreement or industrial award, as well as any relevant legislation.

Under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, eligible employees are entitled to take up to 22 weeks of unpaid "parental leave" for the birth or adoption of a child. This leave is available to both biological and adoptive fathers, as well as to primary carers who are not the child's biological father (such as a same-sex partner or a relative).

In addition to unpaid parental leave, fathers may also be entitled to receive paid leave, either through their employer or through the government-funded Paid Parental Leave scheme. The amount of paid leave to which a father is entitled will depend on the terms of his employment and the provisions of the relevant employment agreement or industrial award.

How much maternity leave do mothers get in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, mothers are entitled to take a period of leave from work after the birth or adoption of a child. The length of this leave and the pay that is provided during the leave period depend on the specific provisions of the applicable employment agreement or industrial award, as well as any relevant legislation.

Under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, eligible employees are entitled to take up to 22 weeks of unpaid "parental leave" for the birth or adoption of a child. This leave is available to both biological and adoptive mothers, as well as to primary carers who are not the child's biological mother (such as a same-sex partner or a relative).

In addition to unpaid parental leave, mothers may also be entitled to receive paid leave, either through their employer or through the government-funded Paid Parental Leave scheme. The amount of paid leave to which a mother is entitled will depend on the terms of her employment and the provisions of the relevant employment agreement or industrial award.