Be mindful of this when requesting parental leave; you are required to give notice to your employer at least 10 weeks before starting your unpaid parental leave. This notice needs to be in writing, and say how much leave you want to take, including the starting and finishing dates.

Employees are entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. You can also request an additional 12 months of leave. For detailed information about parental leave entitlements and obligations visit Fair Work Ombudsman.

Below is a suggested template to use if needing to request parental leave. Feel free to edit and make your own.

Private and confidential

Employee details:
[Your name]
[Contact details]
[Job title]

Dear [insert manager’s name],

A few months ago, I shared with you that I am expecting and my due date is [insert date]. This letter is to advise in writing that I would like to take parental leave, beginning [insert date].

I anticipate taking [insert number weeks leave up to maximum of 52] weeks unpaid parental leave.

• Optional: I note that under [employer’s] policy, I am eligible to be paid [insert number] weeks parental leave during this time.
• Optional: I would also like to access my accrued annual / long service leave of [insert number] weeks during this time.

Prior to commencing parental leave, I will work with you to ensure the handover process is completed and I am able to meet your expectations.

I anticipate returning to work on [insert date] and look forward to returning to work in my role of [insert role title].

Please let me know what paperwork or other information you may require regarding my parental leave and I will provide this to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely,

[name]