In the total workforce system, the following arrangements apply.

1. Members in Service category 6 or 7 are on Permanent service.

2. Members in Service category 3, 4 or 5 may undertake Reserve service.

3. Members in Service category 3, 4 or 5 on Service Option C are treated the same as members on permanent service.

1. The Government's Paid Parental Leave scheme is separate from Defence's maternity leave provisions as contained in Defence's Pay and Conditions Manual.

2. Receipt of Parental Leave Pay does not affect access or eligibility for Defence's maternity leave provisions. Parental Leave Pay can be received while a member is on any type of leave (paid or unpaid) or a break in training for Reservists.

3. The Paid Parental Leave scheme is run by Services Australia and will process the claim and assess if a parent is eligible to receive Parental Leave Pay.
   
   
   
   Contact information:
   
   servicesaustralia.gov.au

A member on Reserve service is not entitled to maternity leave. They are entitled to a 52‑week break in their minimum training service obligation, as if they had access to maternity leave. 

Example: A member may make up a 52-week period of absence in this way.

Non-example: The non-example below is not an acceptable alternative. This is because paid maternity leave must be the first 14 weeks of the maternity leave absence.

Long service leave does not accrue for any period of unpaid maternity leave more than three months.

Members are advised to make any decision to return to work early based on medical advice.

See: Division 3 section 5.6.27, Resuming duty during the required absence.

These examples set out some maternity leave scenarios.

Note: Example 4 is allowable but is unusual and would rarely occur.

Example 1:

Example 2:

Example 3:

Example 4:

Example 5:

Example 6: