Grandparents leave

Grandparents who are public servants are entitled to extended grandparental leave for a year without pay in two Australian states.

Western Australia has followed ACT which was the first state government to provide for grandparental leave under as collective agreement between the government and public sector employees.
In ACT the leave is available up until the child’s third birthday. Employees who apply for the leave must be grandparents, step-grandparents, grandparents through adoption or through their children taking parental responsibility.

In Western Australia the entitlement is available for primary caregivers following the birth or adoption of a grandchild. The leave can be taken within 24 months of birth or adoption and can be taken part time if an employee can establish he or she is the primary caregiver on the days on which he or she provides care.

The agreement also allows grandparents to purchase an extra 10 weeks leave to fulfill family commitments.