Parental leave for Northern Territory teachers

The NT Public Sector Educators' 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement pays primary caregivers 14 weeks after 12 months' service, building pro rata from 4 years 35 weeks to 18 weeks at 5 years. The paid weeks are fewer than in the ACT (24), but the NT lets you stay away for up to 3 years in total with a job to come back to.

NT paid parental leave at a glance

Primary caregiver: 14 weeks paid after 12 months' service, rising to 18 weeks after 5 years (pro rata from 4 years 35 weeks). Up to 3 years total leave. Partner leave: 1 week paid after 12 months, 2 weeks after 5 years.

What the NT Department of Education pays

Government Paid Parental Leave on top

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

Worked example: CT5 teacher, primary caregiver

If you're teaching remotely

• Talk to the department early about where you'll give birth and live while on leave. Many remote communities don't have birthing services, so you may spend weeks in Darwin, Alice Springs or interstate before the birth.
• Ask what happens to your remote housing and Remote Incentive Allowance while you're on leave; don't assume either continues.
• Plan your return: after 3 years remote you can ask for a guaranteed transfer to Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine or Alice Springs, which some parents time with their return.
• Going part-time: see returning to teaching after parental leave.