Managing Family Responsibilities
The Western Sydney University recognises the need for employees to balance work and family/carer's responsibilities. The University has generous leave provisions available to support parents and adoptive/foster parents and partners.
Parental Leave Entitlements
What Parental leave is available?
What flexibility is available on return to work after Parental leave?
Refer to the relevant Enterprise Agreement (opens in a new window) for full details.
How to apply for Parental Leave?
Your HR Advisor (opens in a new window) can assist in determining your eligibility, proposed leave dates and return to work processes.
Centralised Parental Leave Replacement Fund
Supervisors Please Note: oncost charges for employees on maternity leave will still be debited to your cost centre. If you replace a staff member on maternity leave, your budget will include the oncosts of the staff member on maternity leave and the charges for the replacement staff member.
Federal Government's Paid Parental Leave Scheme (PPLS)
Further information regarding the PPL scheme and applications must be made directly to the Family Assistance Office (opens in new window). Western Sydney University is unable to provide specific advice of a financial or determinative nature in relation to the PPL scheme.
The Federal Government's Dad and Partner pay
To find out more about Dad and Partner Pay, contact the Department of Human Services (opens in a new window).
Primary Carers Leave
What is Primary Carers Leave?
Who can apply for Primary Carers Leave?
How do I apply for Primary Carers Leave?
Return to work after Parental Leave
Entitlement
Obligation
If you require breastfeeding facilities on your return to work make sure you discuss this with your supervisor to allow time for suitable arrangements to be made.
Maintaining communication and contact during leave
Childcare Centres on Campus
Our Long Day Care Centres are located within the Western Sydney University grounds and conveniently located on six campuses.
Flexible Work Options
Breastfeeding Support

The University supports staff and students who wish to breastfeed their baby while they participate in work or study on campus. Women are welcome to breastfeed their babies wherever they feel comfortable on campus. There are also 17 dedicated breastfeeding rooms available across 9 campuses for those who need a private space for breastfeeding. These rooms are equipped with a privacy screen, comfortable chair and access to refrigeration, power points for expressing breast milk and lockers for storage of personal equipment. Please review the Breastfeeding/Expressing Room Guidelines (PDF, 261.65 KB) (opens in a new window).
For more information see the Breastfeeding on University Premises Policy (opens in a new window) and the Children on University Premises Policy (opens in a new window).
Staff may like to review the Checklists for Managers (PDF, 500.89 KB) (opens in a new window) and Lactation Break Agreement Form (PDF, 144.31 KB) (opens in a new window).
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