Parental leave for ACT teachers: 24 weeks paid, plus 26 weeks of government pay

The ACT has one of the more generous employer schemes for teachers. Clause E14 of the Teaching Staff Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026 gives 24 weeks of paid birth leave once you have 12 months' service, and clause E16 gives 18 weeks of paid primary care giver leave to a non-birth parent. Both stack with the Commonwealth scheme, so you don't have to choose.

ACT paid parental leave at a glance

Birth leave: 24 weeks paid (up to 52 weeks in total) after 12 months' service, on top of the federal Paid Parental Leave scheme. Primary care giver leave for a non-birth parent: 18 weeks paid. Bonding and grandparental leave are also available.

What you get from the ACT Education Directorate

The government's 26 weeks on top

For babies born or adopted on or after 1 July 2026, Services Australia's Paid Parental Leave is 26 weeks (130 days). It is paid at the national minimum wage rate, reported as about $1,005 a week before tax; check the current rate with Services Australia. Some days are reserved for each parent in a couple. To qualify your individual income must be under $186,487 (2025-26 income), or your family's under $386,525, and you must meet a work test.

Worked example: TL5 teacher having a baby in 2027

Planning tips specific to the ACT

• The 12-month rule: you need 12 months' service for paid birth leave. If you are moving to the ACT from another state, ask whether prior service is recognised.
• Increments still matter: ACT progression happens on 27 January each year. Ask how long periods of leave affect your next increment date.
• Leave loading: 17.5% loading is paid with annual leave in summer; any unpaid balance is paid on the first payday in November.
• Coming back part-time: read returning to teaching after parental leave and try the part-time teacher pay calculator.
• Catholic schools: CECG teachers are covered by the NSW and ACT Catholic agreement, which has its own parental leave terms.