How Long Can I Get Pregnant In Australia After Taking Maternity Leave?

In Australia, pregnant employees can take maternity leave up to 6 weeks before their expected due date or within 24 months of the child’s birth. They must inform their employer of their planned leave and return dates in writing. If eligible for unpaid parental leave and have a pregnancy-related illness, they can claim special maternity leave, which is unpaid leave up to 6 weeks.

Meanwhile, pregnant employees can access unpaid and paid parental leave. They may be entitled to 12 months unpaid leave, which can extend to 24 months. Leave payments can include Parental Leave Pay days up to 2 years after their child’s birth or adoption. Australian parents are entitled to a total of 18 weeks of paid parental leave and 52 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave (with the possibility to extend to a child).

When having a baby or adopting a child in Australia, employees can access unpaid and paid parental leave. They may be entitled to 12 months unpaid leave, which they can access up to 24 months. The Paid Parental Leave scheme currently provides families up to 20 weeks of payment for a child, with 2 weeks reserved for each parent in a family.

In summary, pregnant employees in Australia can take maternity leave up to 6 weeks before their expected due date or within 24 months of the child’s birth. They must inform their employer of their planned leave and return dates in writing and request an extension of up to 24 months leave.

How soon is too soon for maternity leave?

Maternity leave can be started up to the due date, unless specified by the employer. It is usually taken a week or two before the due date to avoid the stress of labor and ensure a safe delivery. When making this decision, consider your pregnancy symptoms, such as lack of sleep, back pain, and heartburn, and your commute to work. If you find pregnancy enjoyable, you may be able to continue working until your preferred date.

If your job involves a long commute, taking your leave early may help alleviate the stress. Regardless of the reasons, it is essential to consider your pregnancy and work schedule to make the best decision for you and your family.

What is the maternity policy in Australia?

Section 70 of the Fair Work Act 2009 allows employees or their spouse or de facto partner up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave for the birth of a child, provided they have or will have responsibility for the child’s care. The Baby Bonus, governed by the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999, is also relevant in considering financial entitlements to parents and carers of children. Many employers, including the Australian, state, and territory governments, also provide paid parental leave entitlements.

How soon can you take a second maternity leave?

Starting a second maternity leave is possible at the 11th week before the baby’s due week, and the date for the next leave is up to the employer. The 15th week before the baby’s due week is the preferred start date. Unpaid Parental Leave is available for those who have been continuously employed for a year or more, with 18 weeks per parent per child. If you don’t want to return to work between two maternity leaves, you can discuss this with your employer, who has the discretion to extend the leave amount. Annual leave continues to accrue as normal during statutory maternity leave, and you can use it to bridge the gap between maternity leaves if desired.

Should I tell my employer I’m pregnant before 12 weeks?

When to inform your employer about pregnancy? It’s generally recommended to do so at the end of the first trimester (12-13 weeks), as this is when some women start to show and the risk of miscarriage is lower. However, this may be considered discriminatory and could impact your professional development and career progression. Employers may find it unprofessional to share the news too late, as finding and training a temporary replacement is a significant undertaking. Therefore, there’s no universally agreed-upon time to inform your employer about pregnancy, so it’s best to balance the timing that works best for your career and is most respectful to your employer.

What is the longest maternity leave in Australia?

Australia’s Government Paid Parental Leave has been extended by two weeks to 26 weeks by 2026, providing 22 weeks of leave from July 1, allowing parents to take time off work to care for their newborn. The scheme will continue to expand annually until it reaches 26 weeks in July 2026, providing around $24, 000 in government-funded parental leave. Expanding the scheme to six months by 2026 will provide an additional six weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

How early can I return from maternity leave?

In the event of a change to one’s work schedule, it is imperative to provide one’s employer with the revised dates in a timely manner, allowing for sufficient advance notice. Should one wish to conclude one’s leave of absence at an earlier date, it is requisite to inform the relevant authority at least eight weeks prior to the revised end date. Similarly, should one desire to conclude the leave at a later date, it is necessary to inform the authority in question at least eight weeks prior to the original end date.

What happens if I’m on maternity leave and get pregnant again in Australia?

Falling pregnant while on maternity leave can still qualify for maternity leave payments. Employees who have taken parental leave do not need to work for 12 months before they can take parental leave again with the same employer. However, if an employee changes their place of employment, they will need to work with that employer for 12 months before they can take parental leave again. The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) provides more information on entitlement requirements for employees.

Check your parental leave policy and negotiate different outcomes, especially if you plan to return to work between pregnancies. Manage your career by communicating your professional vision and reflecting on your parenting legacy. Have the conversation about gendered expectations at home, as the longer your parental leave, the more likely you are to pick up responsibility for domestic, childcare, and household chores.

Get financial advice, as another year out can impact your retirement savings. Be prepared for conversations with stakeholders, as there is a tendency for more biases to emerge when having two babies in a close period. Be aware of potential biases and be prepared to respond to them if they throw a curly comment your way.

For more tips and strategies to manage becoming pregnant while on maternity leave, make a small investment in yourself and join the Grace Papers digital platform to empower you in your career and care journey. Addressing bias and discrimination can be challenging, but with support from a movement focused on growing confidence and connecting you with a vision capable of transforming gender subordination of expectant mothers.

What happens if you fall pregnant while on maternity leave?

Employees who become pregnant during maternity leave are entitled to an additional 52 weeks of leave. However, they cannot start their next leave until the 11th week before their baby is due. If their first leave ends before this, they must return to work until the 11th week, consider taking another type of leave (such as holiday leave), or employ someone else to do the work (‘maternity cover’) while the employee is on maternity leave. The employer must decide if this is possible and provide the correct notice.

What happens if you leave after maternity leave?

In the event of one’s decision to terminate employment during or subsequent to maternity leave, the customary resignation process, inclusive of the requisite notice period, must be adhered to. It would be prudent to consider any handover arrangements and utilise your Keeping in Touch (KIT) days for this purpose. In the event that an employer offers enhanced maternity pay, the individual may be required to repay a portion or the entirety of the enhanced amount in the event that they fail to resume their position or depart shortly following the conclusion of their maternity leave.

How many times can you take maternity leave Australia?

You can take 12 months of maternity leave, with the option to negotiate an additional 12 months with your employer. This is considered one maternity leave per pregnancy. You cannot be fired or demoted during maternity leave, as it would be grounds for unfair dismissal and maternity discrimination. You can take paid leave, including annual leave, during maternity leave, as long as you follow the standard process to request leave from your employer.

What is the Australian law for maternity leave?

Section 70 of the Fair Work Act 2009 allows employees or their spouse or de facto partner up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave for the birth of a child, provided they have or will have responsibility for the child’s care. The Baby Bonus, governed by the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999, is also relevant in considering financial entitlements to parents and carers of children. Many employers, including the Australian, state, and territory governments, also provide paid parental leave entitlements.