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Planning a family shouldn't mean putting your career on hold and the best employers know that. In Australia, more organisations are going beyond the legal minimum to offer paid parental leave policies that support both women and men to balance work and family life.
This guide explores why paid parental leave matters, how WORK180 identifies top paid parental leave employers in Australia, and what to look for when comparing company benefits.
Strong parental leave policies don't just benefit new parents, they drive lasting change in gender equity and workforce participation. Research from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) shows that women’s workforce participation increases by up to 6% in organisations offering paid parental leave beyond the government minimum.
For employers, the return on investment is clear. Paid parental leave improves employee retention, strengthens engagement, and reduces recruitment costs. For employees, it creates the stability and support needed to build both a career and a family.
When leave is equitable and inclusive — offered to all parents, regardless of gender — it helps normalise shared caregiving responsibilities and supports long-term cultural change in workplaces.
In Australia, the government provides up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave at the national minimum wage. However, many leading employers go far beyond this baseline.
Above-standard policies often include:
WORK180 compiles data from employer submissions, verified policies, and trusted public sources like WGEA reports and corporate sustainability disclosures. Every employer endorsed by WORK180 has undergone a detailed review of their benefits, policies, and culture to ensure transparency and accountability.
Not all companies offering parental leave appear in general listings — WORK180’s Endorsed Employers are assessed against a comprehensive framework that includes:
When evaluating companies with parental leave, it's worth looking beyond the number of weeks offered. Compare the structure of the policy, including:
Leading employers don't stop supporting parents once they return to work. Look for:
When you're exploring new roles, it's reasonable to ask about parental leave. Here are some questions to guide the conversation:
Many top employers publish their leave policies on their careers pages or in annual WGEA submissions. Look for transparent reporting — detailed leave durations, eligibility, and flexibility options are signs of a gender equitable parental leave policy.
If an Australian organisation has 100 employees or more, then their parental leave policy information will be listed on WORK180, you can review their verified policies directly on the WORK180 platform before applying.
While policies vary, here are examples of Australian employers setting benchmarks in paid parental leave:
Paid parental leave is more than a benefit; it's a reflection of an organisation's values. By understanding what to look for and how to compare, you can choose an employer that truly supports your family goals.
Use the WORK180 top employers search filter for “paid parental leave” to find employers that align with your priorities. Explore verified policies, compare benefits, and apply with confidence knowing you're joining a workplace that supports you at every stage of life.
However we want to help you be an informed employer seeker. The information below is publicly sourced from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). These employers may not meet all of our standards for women.
