Australia's Dad and Partner Pay provides eligible working fathers and partners (including adoptive parents and same-sex partners) with up to two weeks of government-funded pay at the National Minimum Wage. This is separate from the primary carer's Paid Parental Leave and is designed to allow partners time off to care for a newborn or newly adopted child and support the primary carer.

Statutory entitlement

Up to two weeks of government-funded pay at the National Minimum Wage. Must be taken within the first 52 weeks after the child's birth or placement.

Eligibility

Must meet the work test (worked at least 330 hours in 39 weeks with no more than 8 weeks between work days), earn less than the income test threshold ($171,865 adjusted taxable income), be the child's primary carer or the partner of the primary carer, and not be on paid leave (other than parental leave) during the Dad and Partner Pay period.

Employer obligations

  • Dad and Partner Pay is administered through Services Australia, not through employers (unless the employer is registered as a paying agent for government PPL).
  • Employers may choose to offer additional paid paternity leave as part of their enterprise agreement or contract.
  • Employees taking unpaid leave for Dad and Partner Pay are still entitled to their NES entitlements.
  • Maintain employment terms for employees on contractual paternity leave.

Employee rights

  • Right to take unpaid leave to care for a new child — personal/carer's leave can be used in some circumstances.
  • Right to receive government-funded Dad and Partner Pay if eligibility criteria are met.
  • Right to request flexible working arrangements upon return to work.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming employers must pay Dad and Partner Pay — it is government-funded and administered through Services Australia.
  • Not checking whether an employee has existing contractual paternity leave — some enterprise agreements provide enhanced leave.
  • Confusing Dad and Partner Pay with the primary carer's PPL — the two-week Dad and Partner Pay is a separate, shorter entitlement.

How Dad and Partner Pay works

Eligible fathers and partners can claim up to two weeks of pay through Services Australia. The payment is at the National Minimum Wage rate and must be taken as a continuous block within the first 52 weeks after birth or adoption placement.

Interaction with employer leave

Dad and Partner Pay is government-funded and does not replace any employer-provided paternity leave. Many Australian employers offer additional paid paternity leave on top of the government scheme. Employees should check their employment contract or enterprise agreement.

Applying for Dad and Partner Pay

Claims are made through Services Australia via myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app. Supporting documentation includes the child's birth certificate or adoption placement notice.

Frequently asked questions

Can both parents receive Dad and Partner Pay?

Only one parent can receive Dad and Partner Pay at a time. If both parents are eligible, they must decide who will claim it.

Is Dad and Partner Pay the same as unpaid parental leave?

No. Dad and Partner Pay provides government-funded pay. Unpaid parental leave under the NES is a separate entitlement that applies to both parents.

Can I take Dad and Partner Pay while on annual leave?

Yes, you can receive Dad and Partner Pay while on annual leave. However, you cannot receive it while on paid leave from your employer (other than parental leave).

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.