We’ve listened and responded to what matters most to our people: time, financial security and equity.
Coming into effect from 1 July 2025, these changes help our employees thrive at home and at work. The benefits include:
- More paid time off – Primary Carer’s Leave has increased from 18 to 22 weeks (and further increases to 26 weeks in 2026).
- Superannuation support – We’re now paying super on the unpaid portion of Primary Carer’s Leave, up to 12 months.
- Less waiting – Eligibility has dropped from 12 to 6 months of service. This includes Secondary Carer’s Leave, which offers up to 12 weeks of paid leave, and can be taken any time within 18-months of the birth or adoption.
By increasing our Paid Primary Carers Leave up to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026, we are giving our employees one of the highest parental leave benefits in the country.
“These enhancements go beyond policy changes – they’re about creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all parents," said Angela Wiggins, Chief People Officer (pictured above, left).
“We want our people to know they don’t have to choose between building a family and building a career here.”
This investment in our people and their future reinforces our company’s Employee Value Proposition and advances our gender equity strategy and diversity goals.
According to Carers Australia’s 2022 Evaluate Report, primary carers lose an average of $175,000 in superannuation and $392,500 in total lifetime earnings by the time they reach 67 years of age.
BAE Systems’ decision to provide a superannuation top up on the unpaid portion of Primary Carer’s Leave adds another layer of meaningful support, giving our people peace of mind knowing that they can take the time they need at home with their little one, without sacrificing their long-term financial security.
“I was extremely excited when I found out that my partner and I were pregnant and expecting our first baby,” said Brenna, a member of our Early Careers team at BAE Systems Australia.
"Thoughts of welcoming a new member to the family quickly turned to thinking about needing to step away from the workforce for a period and the financial implications that this may have on my family."
“I am grateful to work for a company that truly values the role that parents play in the workforce and actively work on improving the support and benefits on offer to all employees."Brenna, picturedEarly Careers team
This move strengthens our focus on attracting and retaining top talent, while supporting our people through life’s most important moments. With the goal of becoming a truly family-friendly workplace, this initiative helps to positions us as the employer of choice for women in Defence.
As Australia’s largest defence and security employer, we’re taking the necessary steps to build a workplace where everyone can belong, and this policy change is one step further in the advancement of gender equality and inclusiveness.