Official form guide
Form varying unpaid parental leave within the initial 12 months t: Varying unpaid parental leave within the initial 12 months template sts
A template letter from the Fair Work Ombudsman for employees in the first 12 months of unpaid parental leave who need to change the leave dates. Use it to request an extension or a reduction that stays within the initial 12‑month period.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form varying unpaid parental leave within the initial 12 months t - Varying unpaid parental leave within the initial 12 months template sts
A template letter from the Fair Work Ombudsman for employees in the first 12 months of unpaid parental leave who need to change the leave dates. Use it to request an extension or a reduction that stays within the initial 12‑month period.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing the four‑week written notice for a first extension.
- 2Using the wrong template (e.g., for stillbirth or beyond 12 months)
- 3Failing to give four weeks written notice for the first extension
- 4Leaving bracketed instructions in the final letter
- 5Sending the letter to the wrong person or department
Plain English
If you are on unpaid parental leave and want more time or wish to return earlier, fill out this letter. It shows your original leave dates and the new dates you are asking for. The letter follows the Fair Work Act rules for changes within the first year.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Provide written notice at least four weeks before the originally planned end date for your first extension. No specific deadline is listed for later extensions or reductions, but early notice is advisable.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- You are in the first 12 months of unpaid parental leave and need to change the end date.
- You want to extend the leave to a new date that still falls inside the initial 12‑month period.
- You want to finish the leave earlier than originally planned.
- You are not dealing with a stillbirth, infant death, or an extension beyond 12 months.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
First extension within 12 months
Requires written notice at least 4 weeks before the original end date
✓ Confirm you have a written letter dated >4 weeks before the old end date
Varying unpaid parental leave within the initial 12 months template
Second or later extension within 12 months
Written notice not mandatory but recommended
✓ Check employer has agreed to the new date
Varying unpaid parental leave within the initial 12 months template
Reducing leave (returning early)
No written requirement but best practice to write
✓ Verify the new return‑to‑work date is communicated
Varying unpaid parental leave within the initial 12 months template
Extending beyond the first 12 months (up to 24 months)
This form cannot be used for that purpose
✓ Use the separate 24‑month extension template
Request to extend parental leave beyond initial 12 months template
Changing leave due to stillbirth or infant death
This template is prohibited for those circumstances
✓ Follow the specific stillbirth guidance page
Relevant stillbirth/infant‑death guidance (not this template)
Deadline or filing window
First extension must be notified in writing at least four weeks before the original end date. No formal deadline is required for reductions or later extensions.
Before you submit
- 1Confirm you are still within the first 12 months of unpaid parental leave.
- 2Make sure the proposed new end date is inside the original 12‑month period.
- 3If this is your first extension, write the notice at least 4 weeks before the original end date.
- 4Fill in all placeholders: date, name, contact details, job title, manager’s name, original start/end dates, new return date.
- 5Delete the options in the template that do not apply to you.
- 6Keep a copy of the completed letter for your records.
- 7Sign and date the letter.
- 8Send the letter to your manager (email or hard copy) and keep proof of delivery.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest template from fairwork.gov.au/templates.
- 2Enter your personal and leave details in the placeholders.
- 3Select the appropriate option (first extension, later extension, or reduction) and delete the others.
- 4If it is a first extension, ensure the letter is dated at least 4 weeks before the original end date.
- 5Save a copy for yourself and sign the letter.
- 6Deliver the letter to your manager (email or printed copy).
- 7Follow up within a few days to confirm receipt.
Known limitations
- 1Only for changes that remain within the initial 12‑month unpaid parental leave period.
- 2Cannot be used for stillbirth, infant death, or extensions beyond 12 months.
- 3Employer can refuse a second (or later) extension or an early return request.
- 4The template is not a legal document; it is a guide for communication.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The template was last updated in May 2025. Fair Work updates its templates regularly, so use the version downloaded from fairwork.gov.au/templates.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the document header shows the May 2025 update date.
- Confirm you downloaded the file from fairwork.gov.au/templates (latest version).
- Verify the notice‑period rule (4 weeks) is still listed for a first extension.
- Ensure the template still includes the option‑deletion instruction.
- Make sure the Infoline number (13 13 94) is present.
Quick Facts
Sources
- SRCForm title and purpose confirmed on page 1.
- SRCEligibility (first 12 months of unpaid parental leave) confirmed on page 1.
- SRCFirst extension notice period (≥4 weeks in writing) confirmed on page 1.
- SRCSecond or subsequent extension not required in writing, but best practicepage 1.
- SRCEmployer cannot refuse a first extension within the 12‑month periodpage 2.
- SRCEmployer may refuse early return or further extensionspage 2.
- SRCInfoline number 13 13 94 listed on page 2.
- SRCTemplate placeholders and option‑deletion instruction confirmed on page 4.
Common confusion points
Thinking this template can be used to extend leave beyond the first 12 months.
Forgetting the 4‑week written notice requirement for a first extension.
Assuming the employer must accept a second or later extension.
Believing a written request is not needed at all for reducing leave.
Leaving unused options in the template, making the letter unclear.
Not keeping a personal copy of the submitted letter.
Using the wrong contact number for the Fair Work Infoline.
Source transparency
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