Paid maternity leave in Western Australia

From 1 July 2020, eligible employees can split their Parental Leave Pay (PLP) so they take it over 2 periods within 2 years.

To learn more, visit Changes to the Parental Leave Pay Scheme.

How much maternity leave am I entitled to?

In Australia, you are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave if:

• You are pregnant and are the primary caregiver of the newly born child;
• you have completed 12 months of continuous service in the WA public sector as a permanent employee; and
• if you are on a fixed-term contract, that the period of paid or unpaid maternity leave does not extend beyond the term of your contract. 
  
  

How is maternity leave paid?

You will be paid at your substantive salary rate for your usual number of working hours at the time of commencement of paid maternity leave. 

You are not entitled to payment of any shift or penalty rates. However, if you have been on higher duties continuously for at least 12 months immediately prior to taking paid parental leave, you are entitled to be paid at your higher duties rate for the first 4 weeks. 

Maternity leave eligibility

'Primary caregiver' is defined as 'the employee who will assume the principal role for the care and attention of a newly born child.' 

When requested you must provide to your employer evidence to satisfy a reasonable person of your primary caregiver status.

How do I access the paid maternity leave payment from my employer?

To access paid maternity leave, you have to provide your employer with a medical certificate naming yourself, confirming the pregnancy, and the estimated date of birth.

How many weeks' maternity leave will I receive?

The 14 weeks of paid maternity leave forms part of your entitlement to 52 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The 14 weeks, however, is in addition to the 18 weeks paid maternity leave provided for by the Federal Government.

Accessing paid parental leave for public sector workers in Western Australia

To find out more about Federal Paid Parental Leave, visit the Family Assistance Office website. 

Maternity leave for casual employees

If you are a casual employee, you cannot access paid maternity leave but you may be eligible to access unpaid maternity leave if you have worked as a casual for at least 12 months; worked on a regular basis, and have a reasonable expectation of your employment continuing in a casual capacity were it not for the birth of a child.