Australia (AU)
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country by area and one of the most urbanised nations on Earth, with over 85% of its 27 million people living in coastal cities.
Family Rights & Benefits
Maternity, parental leave and child benefits in Australia.
Australia offers substantial family support through federal government payments and leave entitlements. Key payments include Parental Leave Pay, Family Tax Benefit Parts A and B, and Child Care Subsidy. Most payments are means-tested and require eligibility waiting periods for recently arrived migrants (NARWP — Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period of up to 4 years for many working-age payments, but not for Parental Leave Pay for eligible workers).
Parental Leave Pay
Before birth: No statutory paid leave before birth in Australia — most employees use annual leave or unpaid leave before the birth. Some enterprise agreements provide paid pre-natal leave.
After birth: Government-funded Parental Leave Pay: 22 weeks at the National Minimum Wage ($915.90/week gross in 2025–26) — available to the primary carer (either parent). From 1 July 2024, this was extended from 20 weeks and the Dad and Partner Pay scheme was merged into a single Parental Leave Pay family entitlement of 22 weeks, with flexibility to share leave between parents.
Job protection: Parental leave under the Fair Work Act: employees are entitled to 12 months unpaid parental leave with the right to return to the same (or equivalent) position. A further 12 months (24 months total) can be requested. Dismissal due to pregnancy or parental leave is unlawful under the Fair Work Act and the Sex Discrimination Act.
Parental Leave Pay (Government-funded)
Max duration: 22 weeks paid at minimum wage (2025–26). Up to 100 days (20 weeks) can be used flexibly within 2 years of the child's birth or adoption. An additional 10 days (from July 2025) are reserved for each parent as "use-it-or-lose-it" to encourage sharing. Plus 12–24 months unpaid parental leave under the Fair Work Act.
Split rules / Elterngeld: Parental Leave Pay can be shared between two parents who are both eligible — each parent must have worked at least 10 of the 13 months before the expected date of birth and earned $175,788 or less in the previous financial year (2024–25). The primary carer takes the main period; the secondary carer takes their reserved 10 days within the 2-year window. Apply via Centrelink/myGov.
Benefits
Family Tax Benefit Part A
Up to $227.36/fortnight per child 0–12 years; up to $295.82/fortnight per child 13–19 (2025–26 rates)
Duration: Until child turns 22 (in full-time secondary education)
Eligibility: Families with children under 22. Means-tested: maximum rate for adjusted taxable income of $66,722 or less (2025–26); reduces by 20 cents per dollar above that threshold.
How to apply: Apply through Centrelink on myGov.
NARWP (4-year waiting period) applies to new migrants on most temporary visas — new permanent residents are generally exempt. Refugee and humanitarian visa holders are exempt from NARWP.
Family Tax Benefit Part B
Up to $193.34/fortnight (youngest child under 5); up to $134.96/fortnight (youngest child 5–13) (2025–26 rates)
Duration: Until youngest child turns 18 (or 19 if in full-time secondary education)
Eligibility: Single-income families or single parents. Primary earner income must be under $100,900. Secondary earner income up to $5,767/year has no impact; FTB B reduces above this.
How to apply: Apply through Centrelink on myGov.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Up to 90% of approved childcare fees (for families earning under $80,000)
Duration: Until child turns 13
Eligibility: Families using approved childcare (long day care, family day care, OSHC, in-home care). Both parents must be working, studying, or volunteering at least 8 hours/fortnight (activity test).
How to apply: Apply through Centrelink on myGov. CCS is paid directly to the childcare provider.
CCS is not subject to NARWP for permanent residents. Higher CCS rates for second and subsequent children (5 and under) in care.
Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement
$667.42 (upfront) + up to $38.80/fortnight for up to 13 weeks (2025–26)
Duration: 13 weeks
Eligibility: Families receiving FTB Part A who are not receiving Parental Leave Pay for the same child.
How to apply: Automatic if receiving FTB Part A.
Parental Leave Pay (Employer-funded obligation)
Employer pays Parental Leave Pay to employee if eligible, then claims reimbursement from Services Australia
Duration: 22 weeks maximum
Eligibility: Employees who meet the work and income tests for government Parental Leave Pay.
How to apply: Employee applies to Services Australia; employer processes payment via payroll.
Sick child leave
10 days paid personal/carer's leave per year under the NES covers caring for an ill child (carer's leave). A parent can use their personal leave to care for a sick child without it being deducted from a separate "sick child" entitlement. Casual employees are not entitled to paid carer's leave under the NES.
Birth registration
Register the birth at the state/territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 60 days of birth (deadlines vary by state). Both parents can register if in a registered relationship; paternity establishment may be required for unmarried fathers to be listed on the birth certificate. A birth certificate (long form) is required for Medicare enrolment, CCS, FTB claims, and the child's first passport. Bring the birth certificate and both parents' passports and Medicare cards to the registration.
Childcare rights
There is no universal statutory right to a guaranteed childcare place in Australia. However, Child Care Subsidy significantly reduces the cost. The federal government has committed to expanding childcare access as a policy priority in 2024–26. OSHC (Out of School Hours Care) is available at most primary schools for before-school (from ~7am) and after-school (to ~6pm) care — fees apply, CCS applies.
Family Rights
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